Appeal to locate teenagers missing from Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate two teenage girls missing from the state’s north.

Isabelle Crews, aged 14, was last seen on Buttaba Road, Bright Water, about 7.50am yesterday (Friday 27 February 2026).

Annabelle Knight, also aged 14, was last seen on Deer Street, Morisset Park, about 7.50am yesterday (Friday 27 February 2026).

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into their whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for the girls’ welfare due to their age.

Inquiries established both girls are together.

Isabelle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of small build, with red hair and hazel eyes.

Annabelle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Both Isabelle and Annabelle were last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of a white shirt and a green/white skirt.

They are believed to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

Pro-“Palestine” Activists call on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to reverse its decision to kick out pro-Palestine float on the eve of the parade

Pro-“Palestine” Activists are calling on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) to reverse its decision to remove a pro-Palestine float, and will gather at the Sydney Town Hall steps at 3:30pm to protest the decision.
The unprecedented move to kick out Pride in Protest’s “Celebration Without Compromise” float comes after years of refusal by SGLMG to exclude organisations alleged to have behaved in violent or homophobic ways from marching, in the name of “inclusivity” — such as the NSW Police Force and the Liberal Party.
The Mardi Gras CEO’s threat to remove Pride in Protest was issued at 11am on the day before the parade, giving just six hours until close of business to respond. It was based on allegations Pride in Protest had breached parade terms and conditions for a social media post critiquing the “pro-genocide” stance of another parade participant. In correspondence, the Mardi Gras CEO does not dispute the truth of Pride in Protest’s social media comments. Further correspondence from the Mardi Gras CEO confirmed he was kicking out Pride in Protest. (see attached)
image.jpeg Photo: 2025 Pride in Protest Mardi Gras Parade Float, Provided by Pride in Protest
Background:

In 2024, Dayenu publicly opposed the SGLMG Board’s open letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. At the time, LGBTQIA+ Jews of Tzedek Collective: https://www.tzedekcollective.com/statements/queer-jews-of-tzedek-collective-denounce-dayenus-anti-palestinian-statement/ denounced Dayenu’s “anti-Palestinian” statement and called them out for “holding onto Zionist ideologies and the perpetration of genocide”. Following this, Dayenu paid for then-director of SGLMG Louis Hudson to visit Israel.
The United Nations: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Evan Gray (they/them), Pride in Protest
“This is a disgusting and unprecedented overreach by the SGLMG leadership who are destroying the organisation with their vendettas. Ordering groups to remove social media posts criticising support for the genocide, regardless of the truth, is a way of equating Jewishness with genocide. It is Zionism.”
“The NSW Police have physically assaulted us, called us slurs, harassed and intimidated and discriminated against us. The Liberal Party has called us extremists and called for Mardi Gras to be defunded, and in other states is locking up trans women in men’s jails and taking healthcare away from trans kids. Neither of these organisations has been threatened with removal from the parade for their violence.”
“The SGLMG board are chasing Adelaide Writer’s Festival in a race to the bottom with their censorship. This is the same board that says it is unfair to encourage floats to support trans rights as that would be an ‘imposition,’ but is now demanding to control the social media of organisations who march in the parade.”
“Pride in Protest refuses to comply with this authoritarian censorship that silences speaking out about genocide. We refuse to be silent whether it is Minns’ cops, or the SGLMG co-chairs, trying to silence us.”

Latoya Aroha Rule (all pronouns), Wiradjuri, Te Ātiawa, takatāpui/queer researcher 
“From the earliest days of resistance to today, raising our voices has been how we have defended our land, our cultures, and our right to exist with dignity. Pride is protest, and protest is a vital expression of truth-telling and self-determination. When we stand together — Blak, queer, allied — we honour the strength of our Elders and create space for the next generation to live freely and proudly. The right to peaceful protest must be protected, because our voices have always mattered, and they always will.”

Dr Amanda Cohn (she/her), Member of the NSW Legislative Council
 
“It’s an extraordinary act of censorship to exclude Pride in Protest from the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, especially when the organisers are happy to include the Liberal Party who have called for the parade’s funding to be reviewed and continue to vote against LGBTQIA+ rights in Parliament.”
 
Michelle Berkon (she/her), Jews Against the Occupation ’48
 
“As proud anticolonial antizionist Jews, we are used to establishment Jewish communal bodies delegitimising our Jewishness for our criticism of Israel and rejection of Zionism. This disgraceful overreach by SGLMG leadership, claiming that Pride In Protest’s morally consistent opposition to oppression, erasure, and genocide places them outside the parameters of acceptable LGBTQIA+ identity is a tune from the same hypocritical disgraceful songbook. Dayenu and the SGLMG leadership are betraying the very principles of the struggle for equality that Mardi Gras is supposed to embody.”

HEXHAM BOTTLENECK CLEARED IN ONE OF THE HUNTER’S BIGGEST ROAD UPGRADES

Motorists and the Hunter can finally say goodbye to the infamous Hexham bottleneck, with the long-awaited widening and higher speed limits now complete.

From today, motorists can now travel on three lanes in each direction, along the full six-kilometre stretch. The speed limit has been increased to 80 kilometres per hour – marking a significant boost to traffic flow through one of the region’s busiest corridors. The opening of the full corridor marks a long-awaited milestone for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor every day.

The M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and Hexham Straight Widening is one of the largest transport infrastructure commitments in the region’s history.

The Albanese Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the Minns Labor Government contributing $448 million.

The completed project includes new twin bridges over Ironbark Creek to support the widened roadway, upgraded and modernised traffic lights at the intersection of the bypass and Old Maitland Road, a new U-turn facility, and improved pedestrian crossings and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. 

All lanes are now open to traffic, with teams carrying out minor finishing work across the project including landscaping and signage.

These finishing works will include upgrades to the reserve along the Hunter River, Foreshore Park, comprising of upgraded parking, seating and information signage that shares the cultural heritage of the area from an Indigenous perspective.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:  

I’m thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited Hexham Straight Widening project.

This project is delivering real benefits for people in the Hunter including safer journeys and improved travel times.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are proud to be working together in delivering for the Hunter – not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

Like so many people across the Hunter, I’ve sat in traffic at Hexham frustrated at the crawling speed and bottlenecks.

I know firsthand how disruptive and exhausting those delays have been for commuters, families and freight operators. Today, that changes.

With three lanes now open in each direction and the speed limit increased to 80km/h, motorists will see real improvements in travel times and reliability along this critical corridor.

This is a fantastic outcome for our region and a genuine game-changer for the Hunter. It will improve travel times, strengthen freight productivity and play a major role in keeping our region moving as it continues to grow.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

This is a landmark day for Hunter motorists and any driver who relies on this critical corridor. After years of delays and frustration, we can finally say the Hexham bottleneck is cleared.

With three lanes now open in each direction and traffic moving more freely, this is about cutting congestion, improving reliability and giving people back precious time every single day.

The Hunter deserves infrastructure that matches our ambition, and today’s milestone shows what can be achieved when we back our region and deliver.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:

This completion of the Hexham Straight widening is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.”

NSW Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

We have already seen the benefits for local motorists and freight operators with the progressive opening of lanes on the Hexham Straight.

This project is a gamechanger for the 50,000 motorists who use this section of the highway daily.

This is just the first in a suite of projects in the Hunter which will improve safety, congestion and connectivity for local motorists, visitors and freight operators.”

NSW Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

Hexham has been a daily frustration for so many people in the community. Whether you’re heading to work, picking up the kids or moving freight through the Hunter, the bottleneck here has cost people time and added unnecessary stress.

This project will make a real difference to the way our region runs. It improves safety, reduces congestion and helps keep Newcastle and the broader Hunter moving as our community continues to grow.

Locals have been waiting a long time for this, and it’s fantastic to see it delivered.”

Australia welcomes decision to host pre-COP in Fiji and Tuvalu

Australia welcomes the Pacific Islands Forum announcement that Fiji and Tuvalu will bring the world to the Pacific as part of the pre-COP climate events to be held later this year.

Fiji will host the pre-COP meetings, while Tuvalu will have a special leaders’ component – ensuring that Pacific priorities are front and centre in global climate negotiations, a critical priority for our region. In addition, Palau will host a special climate event as part of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. Pre-COP is expected to be held in October and will act as a springboard to launch outcomes in the annual UN climate conference.

It is an unprecedented opportunity to bring the world to the Pacific, to experience climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

Through Pre-COP and our Negotiations Presidency, Australia and the Pacific will play a critical role in COP31. Australia will also provide operational and logistical support for the Pacific event.

Türkiye will host COP31 and a World Leaders Summit in Antalya in November 2026.

Australia acknowledges the role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the PIF Troika and the PIF Secretariat for facilitating the Pre-COP decision-making process.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Pacific countries have long been leaders on climate action, and their voices are central to shaping the global response.

“Hosting these COP meetings is an opportunity for the global community to hear directly from the people of the Pacific.

“Australia will work closely with our Pacific partners to support a successful Pre-COP as part of our shared effort to address the climate challenge.”

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, where the effects of climate change are real and immediate.

“Hosting pre-COP in Fiji, with a leaders’ component in Tuvalu,  will bring a global focus to the most pressing challenges facing our region and support investment in solutions which are fit for purpose for our region.

“Leading the COP31 negotiations in partnership with the Pacific will strengthen our ties with our closest neighbours, raising our region’s profile in support of shared prosperity, stability and security.”

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:

“Pacific nations are bearing the brunt of the devastating effects of climate change but have contributed the least to it.

“Pre-COP will be an unprecedented opportunity for the world to listen to the Pacific and understand the existential threat climate change poses for the region.

“Hosting the Pre-COP and a leaders’ event in the Blue Pacific is an opportunity for the region to work together on this critical issue and bring global attention to their leadership”.

NSW Government rejects Public Toilets Inquiry recommendations

The NSW Government has rejected 20 of the 22 recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Toilets, accepting only two recommendations in principle.

According to Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn, who chaired the inquiry, it’s an unusually dismissive response.

The inquiry was the most comprehensive examination of public toilet provision to be conducted in New South Wales. It heard from 60 witnesses across five public hearings, and produced six findings and 22 recommendations aimed at modernising a regulatory framework the committee found to be “not fit for purpose.”

The inquiry recommended a significant overhaul of public toilet regulation in NSW, including development of a statewide public toilets strategy and establishment of benchmark standards for provision, accessibility and inclusive design. The committee’s report was supported by consensus by Labor and Liberal MPs.

“The inquiry found, for example, that toilets should be designed using universal design principles so they are accessible and usable by people with a disability, older people, and people with prams. Another recommendation was the inclusion of baby change tables.”

“It is deeply disappointing to see such a sweeping rejection of the committee’s work,” Dr Cohn said.

“The inquiry demonstrated overwhelmingly that public toilets are failing large parts of the community and excluding them from public life as a result.”

“The Government had an opportunity to act on strong, cross-sector evidence and tripartisan recommendations to improve public health, inclusion and dignity. Instead, it has chosen to back the status quo of poorly regulated and inadequate public toilet provision.”

The committee’s findings highlighted that inadequate access to public toilets disproportionately affects people with disability, people who experience incontinence, people who menstruate, LGBTQIA+ communities, people experiencing homelessness, First Nations people, and those living in rural and remote areas.

Advocates are calling on the NSW Government to reconsider its response and engage seriously with the inquiry’s findings to ensure public toilets across the state meet the needs of the whole community.

advocates who provided submissions to the inquiry

Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO of People with Disability Australia, said: “People with disability shared deeply personal experiences with this inquiry about planning their whole day around toilet access, facing humiliating and undignified situations, or staying home because accessible facilities simply are not available. Seeing those voices and lived experiences met with inaction is deeply disappointing. Safe and truly accessible public toilets and Changing Places facilities are rights-supporting and rights-affirming and are a basic requirement for people with disability to live, work and participate in community life. The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to local councils, it must show leadership and deliver a statewide public toilet strategy that guarantees consistent, accessible facilities across NSW.”

Public toilets researcher and expert Katherine Webber said: “While the NSW Government response agrees that public toilets are an essential component of urban infrastructure, their response fails to acknowledge the connection between public toilets and the health and wellbeing of people in NSW. Subsequently, it is disappointing that the NSW Government has decided not to take a leadership role in public toilet policy at this time.”

Dedicated, heavily armed police unit to target peaceful protest

Labor Premier Chris Minns has escalated his targeting of peaceful and legitimate protest with an announcement that a dedicated, permanent, and heavily armed police unit will be used to target protests and public demonstrations.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“This announcement has explicitly and deliberately misconstrued the political expression through protest as dangerous and extremist, akin to vile mass murders and terrorist events. The Premier has got to quit this Chris Minns is making a habit of deploying state violence against political opponents and the community at large, this is dangerous to our democracy,”

“Creating dedicated police forces who will be rapidly deployed in the community with high calibre and rapid fire weapons will not prevent people from engaging in protest, all it will do is put everyone at far greater risk of violence, harm, and death,”

“Seeking to arrest your way to some twisted vision of social cohesion is frankly fascist, and yet this NSW Labor Government seem determined to take every bad step when it comes to caring for and healing our communities,”

“Just a few weeks ago, I was standing with Jewish People, Muslim People, First Nations People, Queer People and tens of thousands of caring and compassionate people in the community. This wonderful gathering for peace was socially cohesive, non-threatening, and determined to express their political views. Chris Minns incited Police to attack, and assault that community, and he has now announced that he wants this to be a permanent fixture of our democracy, he should be ashamed,”

“Premier Chris Minns is escalating the conflicts between the community, and he is signing the guns that will be deployed in response to peaceful gatherings. It’s time for NSW Labor to reign in their authoritarian leader, and take responsibility for the damage he is doing to their movement and our community,” Ms Higginson said.

Pyro Jim’s debt petrol keeps fuelling the inflation fire

The Consumer Price Index released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today shows inflation is out of control, confirming Pyro Jim’s reckless spending is pushing the cost of living higher for Australian families.

Inflation was 3.8 per cent in January, leaving Australian households paying even more for the basics while the Treasurer continues to pour fuel on the fire through reckless spending and rising debt.

Domestic inflation is running even higher at 4.9 per cent – Labor’s cost of living crisis is well and truly homegrown.

As all Australians know by now, Labor has been papering over the true crisis it has unleashed in Australia’s energy system. With the expiry of temporary energy rebates, today’s numbers reveal the true cost of Labor’s failed energy policy. Electricity prices are up 32 per cent in the past year alone.

Australian families with kids also know the cost of going back to school and childcare hit hard this year. Out-of-pocket childcare costs are up 11 per cent in the past year despite Labor’s claims of fixing the system.

This never-ending cost of living crisis is unique to Australia, with inflation running hotter here than in every major advanced economy.

After nearly four years of Labor, Australians are paying more for almost everything:
🛟 Insurance is up 39%.
💡 Energy is up 38%.
🏡 Rents are up 22%.
🏥 Health is up 18%.
📚 Education is up 17%.
🍳 Food is up 16%.

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said Australian families feel the pressure every time they pay for groceries, fuel or the household bills.

“Today’s figures confirm what Australians already know, Pyro Jim’s spending is keeping inflation higher for longer,” Mr Wilson said.

“Government spending is at its highest level outside a recession in 40 years and Labor’s debt is racing towards one trillion dollars.”

“Australians are paying around $50,000 a minute just to service Labor’s debt, money that adds demand to the economy and keeps pressure on prices.”

“At a time when Australians need relief, Labor is making inflation stick.”

“Under Labor, living standards have fallen, with Australia recording the biggest drop in household disposable incomes in the developed world.”

“Until Pyro Jim gets spending under control, Australians will keep paying through higher prices, higher mortgages and weaker living standards.”

“As Liberals, we stand for lower inflation, lower interest rates and lower taxes.”

The Coalition will restore disciplined economic management and fight to bring down costs for Australian families.

When Labor spends, you pay.

Landmark moment as city celebrates reopening of Newcastle Art Gallery

A new Newcastle Art Gallery will open its doors this weekend after more than 16 years of fundraising and perseverance, ushering in a new era of cultural tourism in the city.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC officially cut the ceremonial ribbon today to acknowledge the Gallery’s transformation into the largest public gallery in NSW outside of Sydney.

Ribbon cut on Newcastle Art GalleryHer Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, and Mr Dennis Wilson (centre) with (L-R) Suzie Galwey, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Jeremy Bath, Minister Yasmin Catley, Sharon Claydon MP and Lauretta Morton celebrate the official cutting of the ribbon today on the opening of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

The civic event was held ahead of three days of community celebration, kicking off with a party in Laman Street on Friday night and the launch of a major exhibition, Iconic Loved Unexpected, on Saturday featuring almost 500 works of art from the Gallery’s $145 million collection.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the completion of the expansion project was a landmark moment for the city.

“Newcastle Art Gallery has stood as a cultural beacon since its establishment in 1957 and the official opening of its current building in 1977, however the Gallery’s ambition and nationally significant collection long ago outgrew its original building,” Mr Bath said.

“The decision to expand followed a sixteen-year journey culminating in a pivotal council vote on July 27 2021, which set the Gallery on an unstoppable path to transformation.

“As City of Newcastle’s largest ever capital works project, the expansion is tangible evidence of our commitment to culture and creativity, which ensures Newcastle Art Gallery will takes its place as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions.

“With Queen Elizabeth II overseeing the Gallery’s original opening, it’s fitting to have the King’s representative in NSW – and the Patron of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation – Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, replicate that role today. 

“I thank Her Excellency for doing the honours as we celebrate this significant milestone.”

The expansion project was supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnership and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Partnership, as well as $13 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. 

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King welcomed the milestone moment.

“This grand opening means people in Newcastle and beyond can now experience the gallery’s fabulous new exhibition spaces and amenities,” Ms King said.

“We know cultural institutions are a major drawcard for travellers and the expansion will create significant flow-on job and economic opportunities for the region.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the expansion will have wide-ranging benefits. 

“These upgrades mean the gallery can host our local artists while also attracting global talent well into the future,” Ms Claydon said.

“We are supporting projects like this to foster Newcastle as a destination for the arts and make it an even better place to live.” 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the expansion would drive cultural tourism opportunities.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life for almost 50 years, and this redevelopment will take it to the next level,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The transformation means more of the gallery’s collection can be displayed, while expanding its capacity to host major touring exhibitions and deliver a wider range of cultural experiences for visitors and the community.

“This project is a major win for Newcastle and the region, strengthening its position as one of NSW’s leading cultural destinations.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the expanded Gallery offers a cultural and economic boost for the region.

“The Hunter has long been home to some of Australia’s most celebrated artists from John Olsen to Margaret Olley and more. We are not short on talent here, and our extraordinary landscape has inspired generations of creativity,” Ms Catley said.

“We deeply value our local artists and today’s opening reflects the pride we take in nurturing and showcasing that creative spirit.

“This upgrade delivers more than a world-class gallery. It creates a welcoming space for locals to come, while also drawing visitors to our region supporting local jobs, strengthening small businesses and investing in the Hunter’s future.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said this was a milestone moment for its members and donors, who had shown unwavering support for the expansion project over many years.

“The opening follows many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter and we now look forward to continuing to work together as a community to help our new Gallery realise its full potential,” Ms Galwey said.

The project extended the building’s 1977 footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street to accommodate an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space.

It has more than doubled in size from five to 13 galleries, with dedicated areas to exhibit the collection, as well as a new international-standard loading dock and quarantine area needed to manage the safe handling of high value works of art.

Other features of the expansion include a new café and retail shop championing the work of local makers and creators, as well as multi-purpose and educational program spaces that provide additional opportunities for the Gallery to engage with the community.

More than 20,000 people have already visited the Gallery, which has been operating three days a week since the first four new exhibition spaces were opened late last year while the remaining galleries were being prepared for the return of works of art from the collection.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said this was just the tip of the iceberg for the Gallery and its ambitious 2026 exhibition program, which was also announced today. 

“The response from the community since our initial reopening in September last year has been overwhelmingly positive as the anticipation builds towards our full reopening this weekend,” Ms Morton said.

“Visitors have already travelled from every state and territory in Australia and 35 countries across six continents around the world to experience our reimagined Gallery. 

“We’re thrilled to begin the new era of the Gallery with the first large-scale presentation of our collection, Iconic, Loved, Unexpected, which brings together national icons, well-loved favourites and unexpected gems, including never before and rarely seen works.

“But this is just a taste of what’s to come this year with a really significant program of exhibitions from local, national and internationally renowned artists whose works of art will challenge, delight and inspire visitors.”

The ambitious 2026 exhibition program, which was announced today and kicks off in May, features local, national and internationally-renowned artists.

Highlights include Brian Robinson: Multiverse (23 May to 30 August 2026), the first major solo exhibition in NSW by the multi-skilled artist, who grew up on Waiben (Thursday Island) in the Torres Strait. It will feature new and rarely seen works across his multidisciplinary practice.

The Mordant Family Gift: Newcastle Art Gallery Collection (23 May – 8 November 2026) celebrates the incredible gift from Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM, the largest number of works of art the leading philanthropists have ever gifted to one institution.

From September, the Gallery will present Muse, the first major Australian survey of globally recognised and Newcastle-based artist Angela Tiatia (26 September 2026 – 21 February 2027). Spanning 20 years of video, photography, and installation, this landmark exhibition is the largest presentation of Tiatia’s practice to date.

The year concludes with a world-first inaugural solo exhibition by national icon and painter Anh Do (28 November 2026 – 28 March 2027). This expansive exhibition brings together celebrity portraits, Archibald Prize entries, character sketches from his award-winning books and new landscapes, offering audiences an intimate insight into the artist’s distinctive visual world.

Further information on the 2026 program can be found on the Newcastle Art Gallery website.

Grants awarded to help spread the message of gambling harm among Aboriginal youth

The Minns Labor Government is helping spread the message of gambling harm by funding social media awareness campaigns co-designed by Aboriginal young people for Aboriginal young people.

Our Mob, Our Media, Our Message – Gambling Harm Prevention Grants of $400,000 were offered by the Office of Responsible Gambling (ORG) after a recent survey showed 10.4 per cent of Aboriginal people in NSW experience at-risk gambling, compared to 3.8 per cent across the general population.  

The program acts on advice from Aboriginal stakeholders and organisations on the importance of raising awareness about gambling harm among Aboriginal youth. 

It was made clear that social media is a powerful way to influence attitudes, and that for the content to be engaging and effective, it should be developed by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people. 

Three not-for-profit organisations with experience working with Aboriginal communities will now partner with young Aboriginal people to create culturally relevant messages about gambling harm and use social media as a tool to engage and educate them. 

The three organisations awarded grants and their projects are:

  • $149,620 to Souths Cares for the Souths Cares Gambling Education Campaign, a six-month digital initiative to reduce gambling harm among Aboriginal young people by using Souths Cares’ community networks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL club brand to co-design culturally appropriate messages with youth and ambassadors. South Sydney Rabbitohs is also a partner of the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game program that enables the club to turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games.
  • $150,000 to the Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation to run the Don’t Get Caught in the Gambling Net Campaign, a 12-month Aboriginal youth-led campaign that will engage young people across Macarthur, Illawarra and the South Coast to co-create culturally specific media assets through on-country workshops and storytelling.
  • $100,000 to the Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation for the Ungooroo Gambling Minimisation Project, a co-designed, community-led campaign to reduce gambling harm among Aboriginal young people in the Singleton and Muswellbrook regions by empowering local voices to share lived experiences and create culturally safe, community-informed messages.

The organisations will have 18 months to deliver the educational campaigns.

Capacity building activities were incorporated into the program to support organisations to apply for, co-design and deliver their projects and meet reporting and evaluation requirements. 

For more information, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-mob-our-media-our-message-gambling-harm-prevention-grants

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to support these three organisations to create engaging social media content that encourages conversations about gambling harm and challenges attitudes around gambling.

“The Office of Responsible Gambling was established to provide support to people experiencing gambling harm, which it achieves through a range of services, including face-to-face, telephone and online counselling.

“The statistics showing the higher rates of Aboriginal people experiencing gambling harm in NSW are concerning and this partnership approach to reach young Aboriginal people will help close this unacceptable gap and ensure our goal of preventing and minimising gambling harm can be met across all communities in NSW.”

Souths Rabbitohs NRL player and Souths Cares Ambassador Cody Walker said:

“Souths Cares leads the way in promoting positive messages that empower young people.

“I’m proud to support this campaign as an ambassador and help young people rethink gambling and recognise the harm it can cause.”

About the organisations

Souths Cares is an independent not-for-profit public benevolent institution, delivering transformational education, employment, training and health promotion programs. It was built upon the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ long and proud history of supporting the community, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit holistic Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. It provides a wide range of comprehensive, culturally safe health and wellbeing services at the highest standard possible to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Southwestern Sydney region.

Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit, 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned community organisation based in Singleton NSW. It provides a range of services such as health, youth support, training and employment opportunities, Aboriginal art and tourism, economic development and social inclusion services, including NDIS and mental health programs.

$1 auctions return to the Northern Rivers

The NSW Government is bringing back one of Australia’s most unique house sale programs with the return of the flood buyback auctions for 2026.

The NSW Government is bringing back one of Australia’s most unique house sale programs with the return of the flood buyback auctions for 2026.

To date, 130 flood-affected properties, bought by the NSW Government through the Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated to flood-free land by the new owner.

Most buyers have been locals, with house sale prices ranging from $1 to $200,000 attracting attention nationwide.

The next releases include 10 buyback homes from South and East Lismore and central Lismore going to auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah from 5:30pm on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Another auction has been scheduled for Murwillumbah on March 17 for a further 10 properties in Murwillumbah, Bray Park and Burringbar.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia.

To ensure a smooth transition to safer ground, this year’s program introduces a new requirement: successful bidders must have a destination site ready at the time of purchase. This change is designed to help new homeowners hit the ground running, with all houses required to be moved by the end of 2026.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is committed to supporting buyers through every step of this journey. A dedicated Relocation Concierge service has been established to provide personalised guidance, alongside a suite of online resources to help navigate the logistics of moving and restumping these unique homes.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the Resilient Homes Program continues to create safer communities by removing homes from high-risk floodplains and giving them a second life on higher, more resilient land.

More details on the homes available through the Lismore auctions can be found at:  https://www.walmurray.com.au/pages/real-estate/ra-auction-houses

A helpful guide on the house relocation process can be found at: https://youtu.be/MUMZgI4dabY

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We aren’t just auctioning houses; we are saving the ‘tin and timber’ soul of the Northern Rivers.

“These auctions give local families—especially those starting out—a rare, affordable shot at home ownership while ensuring our region’s unique character is preserved for the future.

“It’s about moving our history to higher ground and giving these beautiful homes a second life in a safer place.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most innovative initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.

“Through the buyback process, we’re removing homes from the floodplain and creating new opportunities for local families by making some of these available for relocation.”