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The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a new $3.6 million pilot program over three years to better integrate social and wellbeing support for older people and their unpaid carers in New South Wales.

The Connecting Seniors and Carers Program builds on the foundations of the Connecting Seniors Grant Program with broader support to cover carers of older people.

Service features include linking older people and their carers to local services designed to support wellbeing, independence, and community connection.

Under the new program, four local organisations will operate as ‘community connectors’ linking older people and their carers to vital services and community groups across 16 Local Government Areas in regional NSW.

The organisations are:

• Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation (servicing Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Wentworth LGAs)
• CareWays Community (servicing Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong LGAs)
• Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative (servicing Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs)
• Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated (servicing Ballina, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs)

Carers and Seniors will benefit from access to wraparound support including:

• Information, education and advice
• Needs assessment
• Outreach and engagement
• Short-term case planning and coordination
• Outbound referrals to My Aged Care, Carers Gateway or NDIS.

Seniors and carers may be linked to additional support including financial wellbeing, legal, family and relationship or community engagement services.

An independent review into the Connecting Seniors Grant program had recommended a focus on providing a clear entry point into the service system and wraparound flexible support.

The new program aligns with the priorities in our Ageing Well Seniors Strategy and NSW Carers Strategy to promote social inclusion, community participation, and boost health and wellbeing.

All organisations were selected through a targeted tender process which assessed their experience and capacity to deliver on the appropriate service model.

This is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing efforts to support older people and carers in our state, so they can live active, healthy lives.

Further information on the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program can be found here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-and-carers-program.html

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“We know older people and their carers often report barriers to accessing the support they need.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program designed to provide simpler and clearer pathways to support for those who need it most.

“The four organisations funded through this new program have strong local service footprints and are well placed to empower seniors and carers to remain connected to the communities they know and love.”

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the invaluable contributions of 80 outstanding regional women volunteers with the unveiling of the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Recipients were announced at a volunteer celebration event held in Albury, acknowledging the vital volunteer roles women and girls play in our regional, rural and remote communities.

These women contribute across all areas of community life from supporting emergency responses, to mentoring the next generation of volunteers, and bringing people together through food, sport, music, dance and the arts.

They not only generously give their time, they also share their skills and varied experience which enriches the lives they touch, and helps build stronger, more connected communities across New South Wales.

Each recipient was nominated by their peers, friends, or organisation they volunteer with. They receive a certificate and letter of acknowledgement for their service, inclusion on a digital honour roll and a Hidden Treasures digital Credly badge for professional use on social media or resumes.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing.

The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the Rural Women’s Network, aligns with our priority to uplift women across the state, in particular providing regional women with opportunities to connect and be recognised for their contributions.

Since its launch in 2010, over 1,300 regional, rural and remote NSW women have been recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

Find out who is on the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll and learn more about how volunteers are contributing to their communities here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures-honour-roll

Nominate a volunteer

NSW Government and the Rural Women’s Network are encouraging communities across regional, rural and remote NSW to nominate outstanding woman volunteers and ensure their contributions are recognised.

Nominate a volunteer for the 2026 Honour Roll: https://hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com/ Nominations for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll 2026 are open until Thursday 31 December 2026.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the women whose volunteering strengthens regional, rural and remote communities across NSW.

“Their generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others is invaluable and integral to community life.

“Thank you for making an extraordinary difference to so many people’s lives.”  

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to the remarkable regional and rural women who have been recognised in the 2025 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.

“Every nomination tells a story of commitment, compassion and quiet leadership. You all enrich the lives of so many people – young and old. You also help build stronger, more connected and resilient communities and we thank you for it.

“Volunteer work is truly the heartbeat of local communities across New South Wales, especially in regional, rural and remote towns.”

Hidden Treasures recipient, Deputy Commissioner – Regional, St John Ambulance NSW, Helen Chant, Order of St John said:

“I feel honoured to be included in this year’s Hidden Treasures roll.

“I see this as an opportunity to showcase the impact of contributions from rural women across the state.

“By hearing about the multitude of ways this year’s Hidden Treasures support our communities, I hope that many more will be inspired to volunteer.”

A record investment of $2.1 billion in maintenance will go into improving reliability and incident response on the Sydney Trains network.

As part of the 2026/2027 Budget, the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in a new Rail Reliability Plan delivers:

• An additional $200 million for network maintenancecompared to last year.
• $150 million over four years to deliver improvements at the Rail Operations Centre, including improved incident response and passenger support.
• More train drivers and guards for intercity services, delivering better reliability for passengers travelling between Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle, the Blue Mountains and beyond.
• Track, power and signalling improvements.

While the Minns Labor Government is delivering the massive Sydney Metro build across three lines, we are also investing in the vast, existing heavy rail network that moves just over a million people each weekday, to work, school, university, appointments and social events.

The targeted spend on improving maintenance, incident management, use of technology and passenger communications is guided by the findings of the Independent Rail Review into the overhead wire failure at Homebush that caused two days of chaos for commuters in May 2025.

The Review, delivered by Dr Kerry Schott in 2025, called for better targeted infrastructure maintenance in “critical zones” like the Homebush-Strathfield corridor.

The Minns Labor Government responded with an additional four-year $425 million asset renewal program that is upgrading track, signals, overhead wiring and drainage in flood-prone areas.

A dedicated $35 million reliability program has fast-tracked repairs in high-priority areas where infrastructure failures have the greatest flow-on impact to the most passengers across multiple train lines.

Investment in the Rail Operations Centre will improve incident response and customer communication after the former Liberal-National government cancelled plans for a customer information management system due to a $50 million budget overrun before the Centre opened in 2018.

The investment in reliability is also funding a new passenger care and support team whose focus is on passenger welfare during major disruptions. The team is being deployed dynamically based on the size and complexity of incidents, supporting customers onboard trains, at impacted stations, and at key interchanges during recovery.

The team will provide clear, face-to-face communication, deliver basic welfare support like water during delays, assist vulnerable passengers, and help people continue their journeys via alternative transport options.

New trains are a critical way to boost reliability, and the Minns Labor Government has introduced the first new intercity trains in almost 20 years, with the Mariyung now in service on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, Blue Mountains Line and South Coast Line.

This has allowed for older trains to be retired and others refurbished for use on Sydney lines.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The vast Sydney Trains network of 14 lines, 288 stations and more than 1790 kilometres of track remains the backbone of the rail system and we are investing a record amount to ensure it delivers the reliable service that more than a million passengers a day rightly demand.

“While the former Liberal-National government overlooked the existing train network, we are delivering the targeted maintenance in the critical zones that is needed to improve on-time running.

“The 12 recommendations of the Independent Rail Review remain the blueprint for how we prioritise maintenance, but also deploy new technology, and raise standards around customer care during disruption or communicate to passengers on stations.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Passengers expect a rail system that is reliable, resilient and ready to meet demands of a growing population. This investment will deliver exactly that.

“It will help strengthen the foundations of the entire network, from critical upgrades, through to better incident response, and crucial passenger support.

“Any issues on the metropolitan rail network can have flow-on impacts to reliability and travel times for regional services. Better maintenance on key intercity routes means better outcomes for regional passengers across NSW.

“This investment, on top of the $100 million in joint funding in this Budget for upgrades to the rail corridor between Sydney and Canberra, ensures the entire system can continue to serve passengers for generations.”

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is a significant step forward in strengthening the operational foundations of the rail network.

“We know reliability depends on more than just the recent investments to fleet and infrastructure; it depends on having a well-resourced, well-coordinated workforce supported by strong planning and decision-making.

“This funding enables a more integrated approach to operations—from workforce planning through to real-time service delivery—reducing risk and improving performance.

“Over time, passengers will see the benefit in more consistent services and a network that is better equipped to handle disruption.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“This investment strengthens reliability end-to-end—from upgrading critical infrastructure through to improving incident response, crewing and passenger support.

“Enhancements at the Rail Operations Centre will deliver better decision-making across the network and improve incident response capability.“

“Importantly, the Passenger Care & Support team will ensure we are looking after our customers during disruptions, providing clear information and practical support when it matters most.”

Pregnant women and their families across the Clarence Valley will benefit from an upgraded purpose-built maternity unit following a $20 million funding boost from the Minns Labor Government.

The additional funding as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget brings the total contribution to the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment to $283.8 million, and will deliver a contemporary maternity unit with dedicated birthing rooms and improved inpatient accommodation.

Funding will also enable the decommissioning and demolition of the existing unit.

Once complete, the purpose-built maternity unit will support the delivery of individualised, high quality and safe maternity care for families in the region.

The new unit forms part of the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment, which will also deliver an expanded emergency department and short stay unit, medical imaging, MRI services, inpatient unit, day surgery and operating suite with two new operating theatres.

The maternity unit fit out is expected to be completed by 2029 – in the meantime, women will continue to receive maternity care at the existing unit.

The redevelopment has also recently reached a major milestone, with the main works contractor appointed and construction set to begin in the coming weeks. 

Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed to deliver the main works, following a competitive tender process and planning approval.

The $20 million funding boost builds on the investment the Minns Labor has already delivered to improve maternity and family services, including the $83 million Maternity Package as part of the 2025-26 Budget.

For more information about the new Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This investment will deliver women in the Clarence Valley improved access to world-class maternity care, closer to home.

“We know that contemporary maternity services and facilities lead to better outcomes and more positive experiences.

“This $20 million additional funding boost will enhance local maternity services and support women to access care that is consistent, compassionate and tailored to their needs.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“As Minister for the North Coast, I am thrilled to see this vital injection of funding for the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

“This isn’t just about a new building; it’s about giving local women, babies, and hardworking healthcare staff the modern, purpose-built space they deserve.

“The Minns Labor Government is listening to regional communities and delivering the essential health infrastructure the Clarence Valley needs to thrive for generations to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“This significant additional investment in maternity services is bringing the Grafton community and surrounding areas a step closer to improved health services.

“By building this new maternity unit, we are future-proofing much needed maternity services and care for the Clarence Valley community.”

A joint letter by leading clinicians across NSW which raises urgent concerns about the Minns Labor Government’s three strikes drug driving policy, reinforces calls by the Liberals and Nationals to abandon the reckless change to road safety. 
 
Heads of trauma in major NSW hospitals and other specialists have co-signed the letter which says the policy is not supported by the medical evidence and should be withdrawn. 
 
The letter states the limit of 50 ng/ml permitted by Labor under their proposal: 
“…is not endorsed by any Australian or international peak clinical body. It is an administrative convenience that has been given the appearance of scientific authority it does not possess.”    
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Labor’s policy puts lives at risk. 
 
“When experts are warning that this policy could cost lives, pressing ahead regardless would be an extraordinary act of recklessness,” Ms Sloane said. 
 
“The Government should stop pretending this is evidence-based reform, withdraw the three-strikes policy and work with clinicians, road safety experts and patient groups on a system that protects both road users and medicinal cannabis patients.” 
  
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Minns Labor Government must immediately adopt the recommendations in the letter. 
 
“What more does Labor need to convince them this is a dangerous policy that puts at risk the safety of every road user,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Those prescribed medicinal cannabis also deserve a legal system that protects them and not one that can’t tell if they took their medication two hours ago or 12.” 

A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will create new offences targeting ‘violence brokers’ and go after the wealth of gangs to address the surge in gangland crime across Sydney.
 
Our Plan will:

• Create new offences of using a violence broker or acting as a violence broker with a maximum penalty of 16 years or 20 years if a child is involved;
• Double the funding to the NSW Crime Commission to allow it to identify more participants in organised crime and confiscate their unexplained wealth;
• Extend unexplained wealth orders so they apply to anyone reasonably suspected of acting as or using a violence broker.
• The Minns Labor Government has failed to curb escalating gangland violence across Sydney. When questioned by the Opposition, the Police Minister was unable to provide key details about the surge in criminal activity, offering only that “too many” incidents had occurred.

The Government’s legislation also failed to strengthen non-parole periods for serious gangland offences, undermining its claims of tougher penalties. The Opposition sought to amend the legislation to close this loophole, but Labor voted with the Greens against the changes, leaving its so-called crackdown without meaningful consequences for the worst offenders.
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said more must be done to combat the people recruiting young criminals to act on behalf of gangs.
 
“Sydney families are sick of their suburbs being turned into battlegrounds and the Minns Labor Government has not done enough to stay ahead of these criminals and their methods,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“In order to address the surge in gangland violence we need to both target the recruiters and go after what really matters to them, and in many cases that’s their money.”
 
Shadow Attorney-General Damien Tudehope said the additional funding for the NSW Crime Commission would build on the new powers it was given by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
 
“Under our changes the NSW Crime Commission will be able to expand its expert team and seize the assets and unexplained wealth of more organised criminals,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Stripping organised crime groups of their illicit wealth is one of the most effective ways to dismantle their operations.”

Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said senior police have repeatedly warned the Minns Labor Government that young, inexperienced men were being recruited to carry out gangland crimes.
 
“Organised criminals have laughed at the Minns Labor Government’s new ineffective penalties which they could have toughened up if they had accepted our amendments,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The public expects governments to stay one step ahead of organised crime, because these gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and ruthless and that’s what the Liberals and Nationals are committed to doing.”