16 News

Fourteen newly trained Extended Care Paramedics (ECPs) have been deployed across the state following the successful completion of their training program at the NSW Ambulance State Operations Centre.

Extended Care Paramedics are paramedics already registered with NSW Ambulance who complete additional training and bring with them a diverse range of clinical backgrounds and experience.

After undertaking a 10-week intensive education program, which includes two weeks clinical placement on the road and at a hospital, the new ECPs will commence on road as independent clinicians from next week.

ECPs are paramedics who have the knowledge and skills required to care for patients with conditions suitable for alternative clinical pathways to an emergency department, where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so.  

The class of fourteen new ECPs includes June Munday, a NSW Ambulance paramedic for five years most recently in Central West NSW, and Peter Wilson, a NSW Ambulance paramedic for more than 25 years, who is trained as a special operations and rescue paramedic.

This marks the 26th Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) course delivered by NSW Ambulance since the program began in 2007.

ECPs are now based across metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Inner Hunter and, through a pilot program, on the North Coast. They can also be deployed to areas of greatest need, as demonstrated during the recovery phase following severe weather events on the Mid North Coast and in Hunter New England earlier this year.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Recruiting and deploying 500 regional paramedics;
• Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack; and
• Supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“Extended Care Paramedics play a vital role in giving patients more options for safe and appropriate treatment outside of busy emergency departments.

“I want to congratulate this new class of Extended Care Paramedics and thank them for their dedication to delivering quality care for people in their time of need.

“More staff, lower response times, better patient outcomes – it’s as simple as that. 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Our Extended Care Paramedics are a prime example of how NSW Ambulance continues to innovate to deliver better care for our patients. ECPs provide options that keep people well and supported in the community.

“This new intake of Extended Care Paramedics have shown outstanding commitment, skill and compassion throughout their training, and these qualities will make a real difference to the people of NSW.”

Extended Care Paramedic June Munday: 

“The part of the job I love the most is patient care, spending time with people and building a real rapport. Becoming an Extended Care Paramedic means I can do more of that while giving patients safe alternatives to hospital when it’s appropriate.

“This role is about empowering patients with information and options, while continuing to grow my own skills.”

“It’s rewarding to know we can provide the right care in the right setting and make a genuine difference in people’s lives.”

Extended Care Paramedic Peter Wilson:

“After more than 20 years as a paramedic, the knowledge I’ve gained through this course has been incredible. ECPs take a broad, holistic approach to patient care that really complements the work I’ve done across special operations.

“I’m looking forward to applying these skills in my local community and working closely with allied health providers to deliver care that keeps them safe and supported outside hospital where appropriate.”

Twenty-six registered bidders vied for the 12 flood-affected homes up for auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah overnight (Tuesday, October 7), with sale prices ranging from $10,500 to $54,500.

To date, 83 properties in the Northern Rivers have now been offered for sale in the Northern Rivers, capturing nationwide attention.

PRD Real Estate conducted the auction of 12 flood buyback homes from central Lismore, South Lismore and North Lismore.

Several families bought houses, as well as one long term renter buying a home for the very first time. Builders and investors from outside the region also participated in the auction, which attracted an audience of 50 people, including four phone bidders.
 

The highlights included:

• 157 Magellan Street, central Lismore: $41,500
• 58 Ewing Street, central Lismore: $47,500
• 61 Brewster Street, central Lismore: $54,500
• 171 Magellan Street, central Lismore: $15,500
• 13 Rhodes Street, South Lismore: $32,500
• 23 Rhodes Street, South Lismore: $39,000
• 36 Barrow Lane, North Lismore: $11,500
• 37 Barrow Lane, North Lismore: $16,000
• 118 Terania Street, North Lismore: $10,50
• 80 Terania Street, North Lismore: $14,500
• 71 Bridge Street, North Lismore: $22,000
• 8 Simmons Street, North Lismore: $15,500.

All homes earmarked for relocation have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The Resilient Homes Program is the largest adaptation program of its kind in the country. So far, more than 1300 flood impacted homeowners have engaged with the buyback program, and more than 926 offers have been made.

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.

The Minns Labor Government remains committed to reusing as many flood-affected homes as possible. Additional houses will be released for auction by First National Real Estate at Murwillumbah on November 11 and PRD Real Estate in Lismore on November 17.

All NSW proceeds from the home sales are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

For details on the homes sold, including photos can be found at: https://www.prd.com.au/northernrivers/relocation-homes/.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“I asked for the steam rolling of the selling of these houses and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“We have set an ambitious target of putting an extra 42 houses up for sale by Christmas and are well on our way.

“It’s great to see the continued interest in this program, which is giving so many people a chance at something affordable in the housing market.

“With these tin and timber homes we are delivering the hopes and dreams of a generation to own their own home while ensuring the unique character of this great region lives on.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke
said:
“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.

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

This Small Business Month, the Minns Labor Government is making it easier for local businesses to get the personalised advice they need, with face-to-face support available right across the state.

From Ballina to Bega, Griffith to Parramatta, Wallsend to Wagga, the Service NSW Business Bureau will be helping small business owners save time, make confident decisions and connect with the right support across the NSW Government.

Whether starting or growing a business, one-on-one support will be available at more than 30 Service NSW Centres across the State on select Wednesdays in October, from 10am to 4pm.

Businesses can get tailored assistance on a range of topics including:

• accessing government programs and services
• complying with regulations
• applying for licences and permits
• exploring opportunities to grow, including exporting and selling to government.

The Business Bureau also offers support for women in business, multicultural businesses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

This month we are proud to celebrate Indigenous Business Month, recognising the strength, creativity and contribution of First Nations entrepreneurs, and encouraging everyone to engage with and support Indigenous businesses.

NSW Small Business Month is a month-long program for small businesses across the State to attend free and low-cost events aligned to their individual business interests. The program is a unique opportunity to celebrate our vibrant small business community and their contribution to the economy.

The Business Bureau is collaborating with partners during Small Business Month to deliver free events and support businesses and start-ups.

There are more than 870,000 small businesses in NSW, making up 97 per cent of all NSW businesses. NSW small businesses employ 1.7 million people in the private sector, which is around 40 per cent of the State’s private sector workforce.

For more information and to book an in-person appointment at a participating Service NSW Centre, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/small-business-appointments-at-service-nsw-centres or call 13 77 88.

Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin:

“Small businesses are the heart of the New South Wales economy, and we are committed to helping them to grow, innovate and thrive.

“I see firsthand the strength and resilience of small businesses every day and I am committed to making sure they get the support they need.

“Small Business Month gives people the chance to connect, collaborate and build the skills they need to take their business to the next level.”

Acting Minister for Customer Service, Anoulack Chanthivong:

“This initiative helps to support the growth, resilience and innovation of small businesses across New South Wales.

“Across Small Business Month, we are making it easier for businesses to get the in-person support they need, especially in regional areas.

“Whether in a Service NSW Centre, over the phone or online, the Business Bureau is there to help every business in NSW by providing personalised and practical support to help them succeed.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing an additional $23.9 million to fast-track thousands of new homes in regional areas, as part of a package to support local councils to deliver infrastructure and strategic planning to support housing growth.

From today, councils outside of Greater Sydney can apply for funding through round four of two key programs:

• Low Cost Loans Initiative – up to $20.9 million available to help councils deliver critical infrastructure like roads, parks, and enabling infrastructure to support new housing by covering 50 per cent of interest costs on loans.
• Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund – up to $3 million in grants to support local planning projects that unlock new housing and improve affordability.

Grants under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund range from $20,000 to $250,000, supporting work such as housing strategies, masterplans, development control plans, and infrastructure contributions.

Housing supply pressures have impacted regional NSW, making it harder for people to buy or rent a home.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets for housing delivery across the state, including a target for regional NSW of 55,000 homes by 2029.

The projects funded under these programs will make sure the homes delivered are supported by enabling infrastructure such as water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater drainage, new local roads, kerb and gutter and footpaths.

To date, the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund has invested $11.25 million across 60 projects in 49 councils, supporting plans that will help deliver new homes across regional NSW.

The Low Cost Loans Initiative has helped to support nearly 60,000 homes and deliver $262 million in local infrastructure projects in regional NSW – with the NSW Government contributing $8.2 million in interest subsidies to date.

Examples of previous successful projects include:

• $239,239 Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund grant to Byron Shire Council to assess affordable housing options around Byron Bay’s central business district.
• $111,041 interest reimbursement through the Low Cost Loans Initiative to Griffith City Council to fund $13 million worth of infrastructure for 62 new homes.
• $2.98 million in interest reimbursement under the Low Cost Loans Initiative to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council for the $86 million Ellerton Drive Extension.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

Applications for both programs close on 12 December 2025. To apply, visit NSW Planning.

For more information, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund and the Low Cost Loans Initiative.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We know infrastructure unlocks housing, and this investment is about making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth.

“The Minns Government’s planning reforms such as the Housing Delivery Authority and NSW Housing Pattern Book are gaining popularity in regional NSW, this initiative will support that housing growth.

“By backing councils to deliver these projects sooner and at a lower cost, we’re helping to deliver more homes for people who want to live, work and stay in the regions.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional NSW is growing fast, but without the right infrastructure, homes can’t be built. This investment will help councils deliver the water, sewer, drainage and local roads that are essential to unlock housing.       

“We know housing supply is one of the biggest challenges facing regional communities. By supporting councils to deliver enabling infrastructure sooner and at a lower cost, we’re helping families, key workers and young people find a place to call home in the regions.”