admin – Page 68

City of Newcastle directory set to open doors to participation and inclusion

Hundreds of people hit the courts at an adaptive sports event today to mark the launch of a new community directory highlighting inclusive opportunities across sport, recreation and art.

The free guide is designed to help people overcome barriers to participation by connecting them to a range of welcoming events and programs from more than a dozen local organisations.

Councillors Mark Brooker and Elizabeth Adamczyk alongside Community Disability Alliance Hunter Board President Naomi Curry, join participants at the Abilities Unleashed ‘come-and-try’ sports day. City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the community directory sits among a range of initiatives to make Newcastle a more welcoming city.

“City of Newcastle is committed to finding ways to increase social inclusion and community connections,” Ms Duffy said.

“For the past four years we have partnered with Disability Sports Australia to deliver the Abilities Unleashed program in Newcastle, which has supported more than 1,000 children and adults living with a disability to engage in sport at the annual come-and-try events.

“The launch of our new online directory today takes this support a step further, highlighting year-round opportunities in sport, recreation and art for a range of community members who may experience barriers to participation, including people with a disability, women, seniors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities.

“It includes resources for local organisations to become more inclusive and shares real stories from participants, giving community members confidence to take the first step toward getting involved.”

The directory showcases a range of local initiatives including Northern NSW Football’s walking football for over-50s with limited mobility, the Newcastle Merfolk group, Society of Artists Newcastle and a modified nippers program at Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club.

It highlights the stories behind the inclusive initiatives, including the establishment of the Shake, Rattle and Roll choir following its founder’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, and the surf coach who brought together her passion for surfing and work in the disability space to offer free surf lessons for children with autism.

Healthy Change Challenge client Michael Wheatley and Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk celebrate the launch of City of Newcastle’s Inclusive Sport, Arts and Recreation Directory. Chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Committee, Cr Adamczyk said the event and directory are part of a broader effort to make participation more accessible across the city.

“Abilities Unleashed shows what’s possible when barriers are removed, giving everyone the opportunity to try new activities, build confidence and connect with others through sport” Cr Adamczyk said.

“The directory builds on this by making it easier for people to find local programs and spaces that are welcoming and inclusive all year round.

“This work is part of our Disability Inclusion Access Plan, which guides practical improvements to access and inclusion across Council services, facilities and public spaces, and is up for renewal in 2027.

“Community members can help shape the next iteration of the plan by sharing their experiences to highlight what could be improved, and how we can continue to create a more inclusive Newcastle.”

To access the Inclusive Sports, Arts and Recreation Directory visit City of Newcastle’s Community Directory webpage.

Community members can find out more and make a submission on the Disability Inclusion Access Plan via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website before Monday 15 June.

Residents remain top priority as landslip anniversary approaches

City of Newcastle is working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) to finalise a funding package to enable the demolition of properties affected by the New Lambton landslip and compensate residents for the loss of their land.

Residents and landowners were updated on the next stage of recovery at a face-to-face meeting last night as they prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the event.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said progress on the recovery phase and discussions with the RA have moved forward significantly since the release of the geotechnical report in February.

“The report proved to be a turning point in our relationship with the RA as it demonstrated the critical severity of the landslip site,” Mr Bath said.

“Residents will soon move from insurance-funded relocation to a 12-month relocation package funded by the NSW Government. It’s important that we recognise and thank the NSW Government for supporting the residents in this way.

“We continue to work with the RA on behalf of the residents to identify a long-term solution that stabilises the ground. Sadly, these works won’t permit future development on the site.

“Given the complexity of the funding arrangements, which will require State and Federal contributions, and are not committed yet, we believe demolition works at the site aren’t likely to commence until early in 2027.

“While long-term recovery is ultimately the responsibility of the NSW Government, we are committed to collaborating in our support of the affected residents and landowners.”

CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the RA is working closely with City of Newcastle, residents and landowners affected by the New Lambton landslip.

“Recovery from events like this takes time, and progress can at times feel slow, but the RA remains committed to supporting Council and residents as they consider future solutions,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“RA staff continue to work closely with Council and meet regularly as they consider options outlined in the geotechnical report and plan the next steps for recovery.

“I also want to acknowledge the residents directly affected by the landslip and reassure you that we remain here to support the Council and help you navigate the recovery process.”

It has been almost 12 months since the site experienced extensive rainfall which culminated in two days of intense rainfall, triggering a natural disaster, now recognised as the largest residential landslip in Australian history.

The New Lambton site remains a declared Danger Area under an active evacuation notice, with residents of 16 properties unable to return home.

Since 23 May 2025, City of Newcastle has undertaken significant work across the emergency response and recovery phases, including site safety measures, fencing, signage, security and site investigations.

Detailed geotechnical investigations and ongoing monitoring instigated by City of Newcastle have helped inform evidence-based decisions about public safety, public infrastructure, site stability and potential long-term recovery options.

Mr Bath said City of Newcastle remains committed to working with the impacted residents, landowners and neighbours as the complex recovery efforts continue.

“City of Newcastle has continued to lead on-the-ground activities, site monitoring and site safety through our employment of a Local Recovery Coordinator,” Mr Bath said.

“We have also coordinated property access, resident communications, legal and technical advice, and ongoing engagement with insurers and government agencies.

“We recognise the hardship faced by residents who have had to leave their homes and will continue to advocate on their behalf and keep them informed while assessments and recovery options are progressed by the RA.

“The cost of this support has been more than $2.5 million dollars so far. I’d like to thank ratepayers for their understanding in permitting us to support the 16 evacuated families with what is effectively, their money.”

Ward Three Councillors Peta Winney-Baartz, Mark Brooker and Siobhan Isherwood will put forward a Notice of Motion at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to reaffirm City of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting residents and working with all relevant agencies to progress the recovery phase.

It will also thank the government and non-government agencies that have assisted residents and City of Newcastle through both the emergency management and recovery phases, including NSW Police, NSW Public Works, Hunter Water, Ausgrid, NSW Health, Local Lands Service and the Red Cross.

City of Newcastle will also mark the one-year anniversary of the landslip by hosting a barbecue to thank SES and community volunteers for their commitment and service during the extreme weather that hit the Hunter in May 2025.

New exhibitions unveiled at expanded Art Gallery

New and rarely seen works by internationally recognised First Nations artist Brian Robinson will be unveiled tomorrow as Newcastle Art Gallery opens the first three exhibitions from its 2026 program.

The new installations will also provide a first look at works donated to the Gallery by leading philanthropists Simon Mordant AO and Catriona Mordant AM, as well as the debut solo show by Newcastle-based artist Tiyan Baker.

Newcastle Art Gallery exhibitions Newcastle-based artist Tiyan Baker, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM and Torres Strait Island artist Brian Robinson celebrate the launch of their new exhibitions at the Gallery.

This will be the first changeover of exhibitions at the Gallery since it reopened in February as the largest public gallery in NSW outside of Sydney.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said launching the first shows from the 2026 temporary exhibition program was an exciting milestone for the reimagined Gallery.

“The response to the Gallery has been nothing short of remarkable, with more than 80,000 visitors already surpassing our previous annual visitation record,” Ms Morton said.

“Showcasing the breadth and significance of the Gallery’s $145 million collection when we reopened through the Iconic, Loved, Unexpected exhibition was an important way to reintroduce ourselves to the community following the expansion project.

“While the collection works will remain in the ground floor galleries and in three gallery spaces upstairs, we are thrilled to now be moving into our ambitious 2026 program, which will showcase significant exhibitions from local, national and internationally renowned artists.

“The expansion of the Gallery opens up opportunities to explore exhibitions of a size, scale and number that we were previously unable to present due to the limitations of our original building.

“We can’t wait for our community to see what else is in store throughout the 2026 program and beyond.”

Brian Robinson grew up on Waiben (Thursday Island) in the Torres Strait with Maluyligal and Wuthathi cultural heritage and is renowned for weaving ancestral iconography with contemporary popular culture, mythology, personal history and humour.

Multiverse is a considered survey of Robinson’s practice over the past decade, featuring more than 30 new and rarely seen works including the NSW premiere of the artist’s first immersive installation, Zugubal: The winds and the tides set the pace, and a series of major vinyl cut prints, commissioned by Newcastle Art Gallery and inspired by objects within the University of Newcastle collection.

Robinson said the exhibition speaks to his ongoing fascination with storytelling, cosmology, memory and the ways Indigenous knowledge systems continue to evolve and expand across time.

“To present this exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery this month is incredibly significant. Multiverse represents one of the most considered surveys of my practice to date, and I am honoured to share it with audiences in Newcastle through such a major institutional presentation,” Robinson said.

“The exhibition includes my first immersive installation, Zugubal: The winds and the tides set the pace, alongside a new series of major vinyl cut prints commissioned by the Gallery and inspired by some objects within the University of Newcastle collection that exist somewhere between magic, invention, and scientific curiosity.

“Together, these works create a space where cultural knowledge, imagination, and transformation converge – a place where past, present, and future continue to move in rhythm with one another.”

The Mordant Family Gift presents 25 works across paintings, photography, textiles, installations, prints and sculptures by Australian and international artists Ian Abdulla, María Fernanda Cardoso, Brent Harris, Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Janet Laurence, Hiroyuki Kita, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Jamie North, Raquel Ormella, Sangeeta Sandrasegar, Tim Silver, Gemma Smith, Yuken Teruya, Brendan Van Hek and John Young.

The exhibition celebrates the significance of the gift to the Gallery, the largest number of works the Mordant family has ever donated to one institution, and marks the first time these works will be presented collectively to the public.

Newcastle-based artist Tiyan Baker’s first institutional solo exhibition Mouth Mnemonica centres around a newly commissioned video work that engages with the endangered language Bukar, spoken by her mother and other Bukar Bidayǔh people of south-western Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.

Blending poetic verse, memory, and historical record, the exhibition draws together moving image, sound and sculptural elements to explore language as a living vessel for intergenerational cultural knowledge.

Baker said it is an honour to share her family’s stories and culture through this exhibition.

“This new body of work combines my poetic verse and my mum’s with found records of our oral poetry culture before colonisation, creating an intergenerational poem about forgetting, remembering and what we pass down over generations,” Baker said.

“Through this I hope to give new life to our endangered language and the knowledge it holds.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have my work, my research and my deeply personal stories about our family and our land premiere in some of the first programming for the new Newcastle Art Gallery.”

Art lovers are invited to attend a special launch party at the gallery tonight from 5.30pm, before the exhibitions officially open to the public tomorrow. Tickets for the launch can be purchased via the Art Gallery’s website.

Multiverse will run from 23 May – 30 August 2026, with tickets on sale now. Brian Robinson will take part in an artist talk at the Gallery from 11am on Saturday 23 May, taking audiences behind the scenes of his artistic practice, processes and the stories that shape his work.

Entry to The Mordant Family Gift (23 May – 8 November 2026) and Mouth Mnemonica (23 May – 6 September 2026) is free. Tiyan Baker will share the ideas, processes and stories behind her groundbreaking exhibition with a free artist talk at the Gallery from 2pm on Sunday 24 May.

More than $11 million awarded to improve cancer outcomes across NSW

The Minns Labor Government is delivering over $11 million in funding to support novel cancer research projects, including research into incurable childhood brain cancer Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise and enhance breast cancer treatment.

Delivered by Cancer Institute NSW, the Research Fellowships program will support 18 early and mid-career researchers from metro and regional NSW to strengthen and expand research that could shape the future of cancer care.

These fellowships include:

12 Early Career Fellowships to support emerging researchers as they establish themselves as independent leaders in cancer research.
Six Career Development Fellowships to support researchers whose projects show potential to signifcantly improve cancer outcomes.

The Early Career Fellowships include projects to accelerate personalised treatment for breast cancer using AI, test a promising new therapy for endometrial cancer and optimise psychosocial care for families of children with poor prognosis cancers.

While the Career Development Fellowships include projects to investigate the developmental origins of incurable childhood cancer Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Children are diagnosed with DIPG across an age spectrum, often 6-8 years and pass away within the 12-months of diagnosis as it impacts vital functions, including vision, swallowing, breathing, and heart rate.

Since 2004, Cancer Institute NSW has supported cancer research through its Fellowship Scheme, funding innovative projects, fostering team-based research, and developing future leaders to translate discoveries into clinical practice.

This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to provide access to better healthcare. For a full list of recipients visit: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/grants/grants-we-ve-funded/career-support-grants/2025-career-support-funds-granted

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to backing these researchers and their programs that are bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world patient care which have the potential to transform the lives of people diagnosed with cancer in the future.

“Every day, our researchers are working hard to help save the lives of people affected by cancer across NSW and around the globe. We are proud to support their efforts and invest in this important work.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

“Many leaders in medicine began their careers with the support of fellowships, which empower inspiring researchers to drive breakthroughs that can change people’s lives now and into the future.

“Cancer affects too many of us, with one in two people in NSW diagnosed in their lifetime. While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating the disease, these fellowships are critical to advancing cancer prevention, improving treatments and saving lives.”

Dr Hani Kim, researcher investigating the use of AI in breast cancer treatment said:

“Treatment models for breast cancer have historically relied on broad categories that don’t capture the full picture. By using AI to decode each tumour’s unique cellular ‘ecosystem,’ we are moving toward a future where every patient receives a treatment plan as unique as their own biology.

“Our AI tool allows us to see whether these unique environments will help the cancer grow or help the body fight back. This grant supports the development of this tool to help us better predict individual outcomes, bringing us closer to routine diagnostic tests, and giving patients the best chance at a successful outcome by matching the right treatment to the right person.”

Dr Ryan Duchatel, researcher investigating the origins of DIPG said:

“The genetic causes of DIPG – Australia’s leading cause of brain cancer deaths in children – are closely linked to the age of diagnosis, pointing to a connection between brain development and initial disease onset. However, the underlying developmental biology of DIPG remains poorly understood.

“My research looks to understand how tumours grow and evolve during a child’s development, taking into account maternal environmental influences to identify early intervention points for potential treatment.”

Breast cancer survivor Isabelle said:

“Fifteen years ago, at the age of 57, following my regular breast screen – something I kept up to date with because of a family breast cancer history – I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“If you have knowledge, you can make informed decisions. As a grandmother I worry for my daughter and granddaughters, and any research that supports more accurate predictions of treatment response gives me hope for the future.”

Powering up: Powerhouse Parramatta welcomes first object

Powerhouse Parramatta has received the first of an expected three thousand objects which will be on display when the museum opens its doors later this year.

The historic Qantas Avro 504K aircraft, a replica of the airline’s first plane will feature in the major opening exhibition, Task Eternal. The Avro is suspended above a Cierva C.30A Autogiro — a forerunner of the helicopter — and the Skycraft Scout Mark 1, an ultralight aircraft designed and made by Australian Ron Wheeler.

Featured in the new museum’s largest exhibition space, Task Eternal will explore the intersection of design, innovation and technology and trace humanity’s quest to human ambition to defy gravity, take flight and journey into the sky.

The Qantas Avro 504K aircraft is one of two replicas of the airline’s first plane, built in Mascot by Qantas engineers and apprentices in 1988. Weighing more than 760 kilograms and at almost 9m long with a wingspan of 11m, the aircraft is one of more than 750 objects which will feature in the foundational opening exhibition.

The Avro installation marks the beginning of a 10-year partnership, bringing together two iconic Australian institutions — Qantas, the nation’s flagship airline and a global leader in aviation innovation, and Powerhouse, Australia’s leading museum of applied arts and sciences.

The collaboration will see Qantas become Presenting Partner for Task Eternal, supporting the Qantas Terrace — a prominent public space overlooking the Parramatta River — and contributing to a program of public and learning initiatives throughout the exhibition period, offering museum visitors unique insights into aviation, design and innovation.

Additionally, Qantas will loan more than 6000 pieces from the Qantas Heritage Collection, spanning more than a century of aviation history, which the Powerhouse will conserve and digitise at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

Developed over four years, Task Eternal is one of the most ambitious aerospace exhibitions ever staged in the world. More than 750 objects on display including 350 objects from its own collection, and more than 250 objects on loan from more than 120 domestic and international lenders, plus 12 new commissions will be presented in the new museum’s largest exhibition space.

The exhibition reflects the scale and ambition of Powerhouse Parramatta and the NSW Government’s investment in science, culture and innovation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“The Powerhouse Museum is bringing our nation’s history to Western Sydney.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will give our region’s young people more access to our engineering and innovation history, inspiring the next generation of scientists, designers and engineers.”

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:

“I love that the first object going into the Powerhouse Parramatta is such an important piece of our aviation history.

“This is a moment in history as the first exhibition starts to come together ahead of the Parramatta Powerhouse opening to the public.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta is shaping up to be one of the great cultural institutions of the world, and the arrival of this historic aircraft shows just how close we are to opening the doors following the completion of building last month.

“Seeing the first major object arrive at Powerhouse Parramatta is a powerful reminder of the opportunities this museum will bring — jobs, tourism, education and a new icon for the region.”

Danielle Keighery, Qantas Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer said:

“We’re proud to partner with Powerhouse Parramatta and to bring our aviation history to life. Qantas and Powerhouse share a commitment to preserving and celebrating Australian heritage, and we look forward to Australians connecting with the stories that have defined the Flying Kangaroo.”

David Thiess A330 Captain, Qantas said:

“Seeing the Qantas Avro 504K, the first aircraft to carry the Qantas name, on display is a reminder of how far Australian aviation has come. From the early long-range flights linking remote communities such as Longreach, Winton and Cloncurry, to the lead up to the inaugural A350 Project Sunrise services, Qantas has continued to lead the way in aviation innovation.

“The Qantas Heritage Collection brings more than a century of pioneering spirit to life, and it’s something all of us at Qantas are incredibly proud to share. Partnering with the Powerhouse Museum to celebrate both the innovation and the enduring legacy of Qantas is a fitting way to honour our past while looking toward the future of flight.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“The people of Parramatta are watching the Powerhouse coming closer and closer to completion. When it opens later this year it will truly change our city. The ambition of this exhibition matches the ambition of the people of Parramatta, and I can’t wait to see it.”

Member for Granville and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, Julia Finn said:

“The programming inside the Powerhouse will be wonderful, matched by the beauty of the public space outside and along the riverbanks. There is going to be something for everyone to enjoy across the applied arts and sciences, so many extraordinary objects and ideas to discover.”

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said:

“Powerhouse is proud to partner with Qantas, an organisation that has shaped how Australia connects with the world for more than a century.

“The installation of the Avro 504K as the first object at Powerhouse Parramatta is a defining milestone—anchoring the museum in stories of engineering, ambition and innovation that continue to shape our future.’

Background

The Qantas Heritage collection spans more than a century of aviation history and includes archival documents, photographic negatives and films, artworks and material relating to the founding of the airline in 1920.
These items will be conserved and digitised by Powerhouse to museum standards, ensuring the legacy of Qantas is preserved for future generations.
The Task Eternal exhibition will highlight Qantas’ design legacy, from the evolution of the Flying Kangaroo and iconic uniforms, interiors, tableware and advertising—demonstrating how design innovation has shaped one of the world’s most recognisable brands over more than a century.
Powerhouse Parramatta opens across the Museum visitors will be able to explore more than 1600 collection objects including 122 new acquisitions, as well as 780 objects on loan from over 180 domestic and international lenders.

Hub for girls makes career in sport a reality

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to women and girls in sport, launching the Her Future in Sport Hub, a dedicated careers resource designed to inspire the next generation of women to pursue a career in sport.

The Her Future in Sport Hub is a key initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s women’s sport strategy, “Play Her Way”, a four-year plan to get more NSW women and girls playing, and staying involved in, sport at every level.

Rugby league host and commentator Emma Lawrence marked the launch by returning to her former high school, Mount Carmel Catholic College at Varroville near Campbelltown, where she shared her journey from student to sports broadcaster with senior female students considering a career in sport.

The Her Future in Sport Hub features a range of fun and teenager-friendly resources for students, schools and sports organisations to help young women discover the diverse career pathways available to them in sport.

Developed by the NSW Office of Sport with guidance from its Teenage Advisory Committee for women and girls’ sport, the Hub features sports career and job information, tools and resources, inspiring stories of women working across the sports industry, and a gamified quiz to help girls identify a career in sport that suits them.

During the visit to Mount Carmel Catholic College at Varroville near Campbelltown, Emma shared her own journey – from student to rugby league host and commentator – with a group of senior female students considering a career in sport. Her story is proof of what becomes possible when young women are shown what is achievable.

For further information and to view the Her Future in Sport Hub, visit: https://careers.tool.sport.nsw.gov.au/

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Women’s sport is growing rapidly and so are the exciting and diverse career opportunities.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub shows the breadth of opportunities available to women and girls in sport and is a key initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to get more NSW women and girls involved in sport at all levels on and off the field.”

Local Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“Across the Leppington electorate, there are many talented young athletes with enormous potential, both on and off the field.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub is about helping girls see that sport can be more than something they play, it can be a career, a pathway and a future.

“By giving girls practical, accessible resources while they’re still at school, we can open their eyes to the many opportunities in sport and support more young women from our local community to pursue them.”

Office of Sport Women’s Sport Lead Kerry Turner said:

“The reality is that almost every profession and vocational stream has a sports-aligned career path, from sports media and marketing to sportwear design and apparel.

“With workforce demand continuing to grow, information and resources on a career in sport for girls just don’t exist.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub addresses that gap, providing female students with fun and ‘teenage friendly’ resources to identify and pursue a career in sport.”

Rugby league commentator and host Emma Lawrence said:

“I always wanted to pursue a career in sport, but I wasn’t sure whether that would be in the media or somewhere in Sports Science.

“It can definitely be overwhelming making these big life decisions as a teenager, so I think the hub is a wonderful idea to help young girls chase their dreams. I certainly wish it was around when I was at school.

“Working in sport is the best job in the world and I hope as many young women as possible get to experience the thrill that I get to on a weekly basis. “

Mount Saint Carmel Principal Steve Lo Cascio said:

“At Mount Carmel, part of our vision is to create a community which provides opportunities for excellence for all students.

“Initiatives that provide these opportunities for young women are an asset that benefits the community as a whole.

“Providing access to resources that promote sport-based careers for girls helps to provide a variety of options that girls may not currently have.

“As a Catholic school we are deeply committed to supporting every student to reach their God-given potential, and providing access to resources that promote sport-based careers for girls is one way this can be achieved.”

Art exhibition honours veterans’ service in Greece and Crete 85 years on

A new exhibition opens at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney today – Lustre – a powerful collection of art works and short films exploring the Allied campaigns in Greece and Crete during the Second World War.

The exhibition showcases the works of contemporary artists inspired by the history of Lustre Force, the combined Australian, New Zealand and British army units deployed to protect Greece from Nazi attack in 1941.

The Greece and Crete campaigns came at a heavy cost to the Australian Imperial Force, with a third of the 17,125 Australian soldiers and nurses in Lustre Force killed, wounded or captured.

To mark the 85^th anniversary of these campaigns, a group of Australian and New Zealand artists, led by military historian Brad Manera, retraced their footsteps, walking the battlefields and visiting cemeteries where the men and women of Lustre Force and their German foe lie.

The resulting works reflect on the impact of this journey, with some pieces showing how the land and its people have recovered over time while others reveal the scars that still endure.

Lustre is on display at the Anzac Memorial and open daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free.

More information is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/lustre

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“These extraordinary artworks offer a contemporary perspective on an often-overlooked chapter of Australia’s wartime history.

“The men and women of Lustre Force displayed remarkable courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. The exhibition ensures their service and sacrifice are better understood and never forgotten.

“Lustre is a moving reminder that the impact of war extends beyond the battlefield and continues across generations.”

Anzac Memorial’s Senior Historian & Curator Brad Manera said:

“Lustre Force was a bold but ultimately doomed Allied attempt to halt Nazi expansion in the Balkans, fought under intense pressure against the best the Nazi war machine had in Greece and Crete in 1941.

“Last year it was my privilege to lead the expedition and to walk the artists through the ground that had known so much courage and suffering.

“The works the artists have created commemorate these little-known campaigns 85 years on, making an exhibition that will keep a promise we made to the veterans, their widows and bereaved families – that, in the words of the Ode, ‘we will remember them’.”

Multi‑agency exercise led by NSW Ambulance strengthens major incident readiness

NSW Ambulance has led a large-scale, multi‑agency emergency exercise focused on strengthening inter‑agency coordination and preparedness for major incidents.

The exercise brought together NSW Ambulance, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and St John Ambulance Australia to test emergency response arrangements in a realistic, simulated environment at the School of Artillery at North Head in Manly.

The scenario was designed to test emergency service interoperability and clinical response in a challenging, high‑pressure environment involving multiple simulated patients.

The exercise was conducted twice throughout the day yesterday, with morning and afternoon sessions allowing participating agencies to rotate staff and apply immediate learnings from the earlier scenario.

NSW Ambulance paramedics and partner agencies operated as they would during a real emergency, following standard protocols and procedures, with volunteer patients helping to create a realistic and dynamic training environment.

NSW Ambulance regularly conducts training with its partner emergency service and health agencies to remain ready to respond effectively to complex situations.

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening NSW Ambulance services and rebuilding the paramedic workforce. Since being elected in 2023, we have:

recruited more than 740 paramedics, with around 400 working in regional NSW
delivered paramedics a historic pay rise and abolished the wages cap.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We have some of the best paramedics and first-responders in the world, this level of rigorous training ensures they are ready for all scenarios.”

“Large‑scale, joint training exercises are essential to making sure our emergency services can work seamlessly together when it matters most.

“This exercise provided an important opportunity for NSW Ambulance and other emergency service agencies to test their systems, strengthen communication and refine their response in a highly realistic setting, all with the shared goal of delivering the safest possible outcomes for the community.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:

“Exercises like this are exactly why NSW Police are some of the best trained officers in the country.

“Our police don’t sit around waiting for a callout. They are out there day after day training, responding and working alongside other frontline agencies so they are ready when the community needs them most.

“This is about making sure our frontline responders are constantly sharpening their skills so when the worst happens, the community can have confidence they are getting the very best response possible.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech:

“Our clinicians regularly train for complex, real‑life scenarios, and exercises like this allow us to do that alongside partner agencies we rely on every day.

“Training together builds strong working relationships, sharpens our response and ensures that, should a major incident ever occur, our teams are ready to provide high‑quality care under pressure.

“By using realistic scenarios and simulated patients, crews were able to treat injuries exactly as they would in a real emergency, which ultimately leads to better and safer outcomes for patients.”

New intake of emergency medical call takers for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 31 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney today.

This graduation is the third call takers graduation to be held this year, providing a boost to control room staff numbers across the Sydney, Northern and Western centres.

The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including trainee emergency medical call taker Bethany Whitnall, who will be joining the Sydney control centre, who is establishing herself as a professional referee in both women’s and men’s rugby union.

The graduates have completed an intensive training program designed to prepare them for a critical role in the emergency response system: being the first point of contact for people in urgent need of medical assistance.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“These new emergency call takers are joining a world-class service that is making a difference every day, during some of the most critical times in people’s lives.

“Their work may be unseen, however it is a vital and essential part of a frontline emergency response to people in need.

“Congratulations to NSW Ambulance’s newest inductees, and thank you for the contribution you’re making to our front-line services.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“We proudly welcome our newest emergency medical call takers, stepping into a role that sits at the heart of our service.

“The call taker role is critical, gathering the right information quickly and providing compassion and reassurance to the caller on the other end of the phone.

“I congratulate each graduate on this achievement and thank them for choosing a career dedicated to serving the community.”

trainee emergency medical call taker Bethany Whitnall:

“I love being busy and constantly pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve at NSW Ambulance.

“The ability to stay calm under pressure and communication skills I have gained from being the first female referee in men’s first grade rugby union in my area will be valuable in my new role.”

Leadership change at Sydney Metro

Chief Executive of Sydney Metro, Peter Regan, has stepped down after 15 years of public service to take up a new opportunity outside of government.

Mr Regan has worked in senior roles at NSW Treasury and was on the executive of Transport for NSW before joining Sydney Metro.

Head of Customer, Operations and Project Sponsorship Hugh Lawson, who led the highly successful construction of Sydney Metro City, will act in the role of Chief Executive effective immediately.

The Sydney Metro Board will commence recruitment for a permanent leader shortly.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to thank Peter for his dedication to Sydney Metro, its people, the safety of the workforce and the unique role the metro system now plays in the city’s public transport network.

“Under his leadership, Sydney Metro has been delivering city-shaping infrastructure that will enhance Sydney for generations to come.

“On behalf of the NSW Government I wish Peter the best and thank him for his leadership.”