City of Newcastle transforms iconic spaces for New Annual’s opening weekend

Newcastle’s coastline and civic spaces have been reimagined as vibrant stages for art, performance and community connection ahead of the New Annual festival, which kicks off on Friday. 

The opening weekend of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival features diverse events, activities and performances that invite audiences to rediscover the city through storytelling, from fantastical mini putt-putt at The Station, to immersive theatre at the Newcastle Ocean Baths. 

Preview of New Annual public art trailArtist Jen Denzin gives a sneak peek of her Argo Escargot shipping container installation to Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon and Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull.

New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said this year’s program invites audiences to see Newcastle and the places they know best through the eyes of local artists.

“This year, New Annual opens up opportunities for artists to connect with audiences through familiar spaces in new ways as they pay homage to the places that have shaped our city’s identity,” Ms Loudon said.

“With over 70% of the program featuring local artists, it’s Newcastle but not as you know it as they reimagine the spaces we know and love.”

Three giant shipping containers have transformed Camp Shortland into a public art trail that invites visitors to listen to a starfish through a sensory sound installation and experience a whole new view of the world via a walk-in camera obscura.

Newcastle artist Jen Denzin has turned the third container into a wild exploration of the storms, shipwrecks and spectral echoes of the past that have shaped her coastal home.

The trail continues down at The Station, where Denzin has collaborated with Sydney-based artist Rosie Deacon to create a whimsical six-hole mini putt-putt course especially for New Annual.

Back on the coastline, the Newcastle Ocean Baths and its bathers provide the backdrop and inspiration for an exhibition by local photographers Lee Illfield and Edwina Richards, as well as the creative reimagining of real-life stories by Newcastle production company Whale Chorus and playwright Ang Collins in their live theatre performance Meet Me at the Baths.

This weekend will also see the Newcastle Ocean Baths make its debut as a live music venue, with the first two of five scheduled ‘Soak’ sunset sessions by local and globally renowned music talent.

The Soak lineup includes Newcastle post punk band Dust, and a one-night-only collaboration between renowned beatboxer Tom Thum, Filipino and Murrawarri artist DOBBY and leading jazz composer Freyja Garbett.

A memorable musical line-up will also help set the vibe on Laman Street for New Annual’s vibrant First Night Art Party with high energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, while roving performances from the awe-inspiring Erth Underwater Divers and free drop-in art workshops will deliver a family-friendly atmosphere.

For one night only, Newcastle Art Gallery’s façade will be transformed into a canvas for shared storytelling, with projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children inspired by the Gallery’s new commissions by First Nations artists. 

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said that New Annual is a fantastic example of how City of Newcastle continues to lead in creative placemaking. 

“With support from the NSW Government, the festival is drawing visitors from across the region and beyond, giving them a chance to experience our city’s infrastructure in bold, imaginative ways. It’s a celebration of place, and a powerful driver of cultural tourism,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

Other opening weekend highlights include the uplifting and unpredictable onstage filmmaking experience, POV, at Newcastle Museum, the transcendence of Jonny Hawkins’ Dancefloor Conversion Therapy and the chance to join a singing workshop with men’s choir sensations Spooky Men’s Chorale before experiencing their magnificence live on stage at City Hall.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said New Annual continues to showcase the city’s commitment to culture, tourism and economic development.

“New Annual is more than just a celebration of creativity; it’s a significant investment in our local arts community and a bold statement about Newcastle’s identity,” Cr Pull said.

“By showcasing the incredible talent we have right here in our city, we not only support our artists, but also drive tourism, boost the local economy, and reimagine Newcastle as a vibrant, cultural destination for both residents and visitors alike.”
 
New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.  

The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.

New Annual runs from 26 September until 5 October with 10 days of music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.

Visit https://newannual.com/ for the full program and to download a map of the public art trail.

Milestone moment as Newcastle Art Gallery reopens its doors for first look inside expanded building

City of Newcastle welcomed the community back into the Newcastle Art Gallery today, unveiling the first new spaces completed as part of its landmark expansion project. 

Visitors were treated to a taste of the Gallery’s $145 million collection alongside major First Nations commissions and acquisitions, which are on display across three of the new gallery spaces, entry foyer and soaring central atrium. 

Newcastle Art Gallery reopensArtists Renae Lamb, Julie Squires and Shellie Smith, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath, Newcastle Art Gallery Society President Prue Viggers OAM, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey and artist Adam Manning celebrate the first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery today.

The celebrations began this morning with an opening that championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos and will be capped off tonight with a high energy First Night Art Party on Laman Street as part of the New Annual festival.  

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said New Annual was the ideal time to give the community a preview of the reimagined Gallery.  

“Celebrating this milestone at the Gallery on the first day of our flagship arts festival New Annual is a fitting acknowledgement of our commitment to art and culture, and its role as an economic and tourism driver for our region,” Mr Bath said. 

“We have created a purpose-built home for our nationally significant collection and an attractive destination for major touring exhibitions, which will ensure Newcastle Art Gallery takes its place as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions.  

“The new spaces we have opened today are just a taste of what is to come and I look forward to celebrating the full reopening of the Gallery in February next year.” 

Guests gather in the central atrium at Newcastle Art GalleryGuests gather in the central atrium of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery following today’s reopening event, which championed the Gallery’s First Nations First ethos.

The expansion project has more than doubled the size of the Gallery, delivering an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space. 

A number of these new spaces have been named in honour of the community members and artists whose generous donations helped make the expansion possible, including Valerie and John Ryan, Margaret Olley, Robert and Lindy Henderson and Mary and Richard Owens AM. 

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded Gallery would be a permanent tribute to all those who had shown their support for the project over many years. 

“This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community,” Ms Morton said. 

“We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families, and organisations including the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, as well as the contributions of the Australian and NSW Governments, whose belief in the value and importance of art has helped turn this vision into reality. 

“We are proud to honour the incredible generosity of our major patrons by naming new spaces in the Gallery in recognition of their contributions. These names will forever be part of our story, reminding every visitor of the deep and lasting impact philanthropy has on the cultural life of our city.” 

Valerie Ryan was a Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation member and former governor. She gifted the residue of her estate, with an estimated value of $20 million, equally to the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and the Hunter Medical Research Institute. It is thought to be the largest bequest in Hunter history.

Margaret Olley had a significant and long-standing connection to Newcastle and the Newcastle Art Gallery. Her legacy includes 48 works gifted to the Gallery during her life (often on her birthday) and a $500,000 bequest for the expansion of the Gallery via the Margaret Olley Art Trust. 

Former Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation President Robert Henderson and his wife Lindy are long-time advocates and supporters of the Gallery. In 2022, the Hendersons pledged to match the Margaret Olley Art Trust’s gift toward the Gallery expansion.

Richard Owens, alongside his wife Mary, was a generous philanthropist and volunteer, pledging $500,000 towards the transformation of the Gallery. Richard was pivotal in the establishment of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and was Chairperson of the Foundation for some time.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through bequests, gifts and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign. 

The Gallery is open Friday to Sunday each week with timed entry and free guided tours. Visitors can also check out the new retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and view the inaugural window commission by Newcastle artist Maggie Hensel-Brown in the Learning Studio. 

The entire Gallery will be reopened in February next year, in conjunction with a major exhibition of works of art from the collection and the unveiling of the commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d’Evie. 

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up to date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project. 

Tickets for free guided tours of Newcastle Art Gallery can be booked via https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/events/guided-tours

Community input required to shore up beloved coastline

City of Newcastle is calling on the community to help shape the future of the coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether by providing feedback on potential management strategies.

Investigations show this area is at the most immediate risk from climate change-driven threats such as erosion and sea level rise.

Over time this will lead to narrowed sandy beaches and a loss of space for people to enjoy, as well as impacting events such as surf carnivals and Surfest, while also putting nearby surf clubs, walkways and roads at risk.

Program Lead for Coast and Estuary, Dr Josh van Lier, said City of Newcastle was developing a long-term Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the area between Nobbys Headland and Glenrock Lagoon, collectively known as the Southern Beaches.

“We need effective, practical and long-term strategies to keep this coastline section safe, accessible, and fit for future use” Dr van Lier said.

“This phase of consultation for the Southern Beaches CMP focuses on the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch as it is at the highest and most immediate risk.

“With increasing pressures such as climate change and growing visitor numbers, managing our coastline while balancing community enjoyment and environmental care is more important than ever.”

CMPs identify coastal management issues and the actions required to address them. This includes how and when actions are to be implemented, their costs and proposed funding mechanisms and cost-sharing arrangements. 

Coastal hazard modelling was used to understand natural processes such as wave action and sand movement to estimate how inundation and erosion may change the coastal environment in the future under different sea-level rise scenarios and storm events.

A range of options have since been developed to respond to current and future coastal risks between Bar Beach and Merewether utilising a range of resources such as historic coastal erosion data and geotechnical investigations.

Each management option also considers the potential impacts on the quality of surf breaks along the Bar Beach to Merewether stretch based on the findings of a surf amenity impact assessment.

The community is being asked to provide their feedback on strategies such as beach nourishment, protection structures and a managed retreat, or a combination of these elements, which all come with different benefits and risks.

“We’ve considered whether the options are practical, cost-effective and environmentally responsible, but most importantly, will they effectively address the risks we’ve identified,” Dr van Lier said.

“To emphasise the importance of this program we’ve estimated the ongoing cost of each option, which all run into the millions of dollars.

“People can make their voices heard by spending less than 10 minutes to complete the survey online or by voting in the quick poll, as well as attending one of several planned pop-up events to speak to a City of Newcastle representative.

“The community’s feedback will be used alongside feasibility and viability studies to determine the preferred management options that are included in the draft Southern Beaches CMP.”

Chairman Tim Ryan said the Merewether National Surfing Reserve Committee is happy to be a contributor to City of Newcastle’s Southern Beaches CMP.

“We applaud City of Newcastle’s process of consultation for the CMP,” Mr Ryan said.

“The climate change impacts on our beaches require significant planning and investment from a Local, State and Federal Government level to maintain a level of public amenity and maintain the wave quality and beach amenity along our coastline.

“We are looking forward to an outcome that fairly balances all the interests of the beach community and maintains the quality of the waves on the Merewether to Bar Beach stretch.”

To take part in community consultation head to City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page.

Consultation closes on Monday 24 November 2025.

Government invests $5.6 million into culturally safe refuge for Lake Macquarie

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with an investment of $5.6 million into a new Core and Cluster refuge in the Lake Macquarie LGA.

Aboriginal-led organisation Wandiyali will build the new refuge, which will provide six self-contained units for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence. The refuge will include one wheelchair accessible unit and pet-friendly common areas.

It will incorporate elements of the traditional Aboriginal concept of a yarning circle in the building and landscape design. The communal outdoor space will include a vegetable, bush and medicine garden, along with dedicated areas for learning, play and relaxation.

Following the Core and Cluster model, a central hub will provide spaces for residents to receive on-site support, facilitating access to services such as individual counselling, legal advice and employment support.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and childing fleeing violent situations with crisis accommodation and on-site specialist domestic and family violence support services.

Once completed, the program will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of the NSW Government’s wider effort to address domestic and family violence in the state, including an historic $5.1 billion in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness in our state, which is why the NSW government is committed to building secure and stable accommodation for women and children fleeing violence.

“When a woman takes that step to leave an abusive relationship, she should not have to worry about whether she will have a safe place to stay, or whether her children will have a roof over their head.”

“Once this refuge is built, domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the Lake Macquarie LGA will know they have somewhere to go – they don’t have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent situation.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with Wandiyali, an Aboriginal-led organisation, to build this Core and Cluster refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“Wandiyali’s culturally responsive approach to design will ensure its future residents feel culturally safe and supported after fleeing violent and abusive situations.

“This Core and Cluster program is one way the NSW Government is investing in efforts to meet Closing The Gap goals such as halving the rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five to six years.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government understands the need for more crisis housing and support for victim-survivors of domestic violence in regional areas across the state.

“That’s why 36 of the 49 refuges built under the Core and Cluster program will operate in regional locations, including this one in Lake Macquarie.

“We’re also committed to working with Aboriginal-led providers like Wandiyali to ensure the design of the refuges are culturally safe and appropriate, and reflect the needs of the local community.

“We look forward to seeing this project up and running because we know it’ll provide a safe and secure place for women and children to start rebuilding their lives free from violence.”

Independent Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper MP said:

“This funding will ensure the delivery of much needed safe spaces for our most vulnerable families fleeing domestic and family violence.

“The Core and Cluster model provides the perfect opportunity to provide essential housing solutions and connection to vital supports which will ensure these families have access to every resource they need to successfully rebuild their futures.

“I commend Wandiyali for their commitment to delivering this important housing solution and ensuring a culturally understanding environment.”

Jai Kilroy CEO of Wandiyali said:

“Wandiyali are proud to be delivering this Core and Cluster refuge to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence in our local community.

“As an Aboriginal organisation, we are committed to ensuring the refuge is culturally responsive and safe, so Aboriginal women and children know they have a place where their culture, identity, and wellbeing are respected and protected when fleeing violence and abuse.

“We look forward to opening the doors and welcoming victim-survivors as they begin the journey of rebuilding their lives, free from violence, with dignity, safety, and hope.”

World-class training facilities for North Coast TAFE NSW students

The Minns Labor Government has invested $25 million to deliver two brand new, purpose-built training facilities for North Coast students at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, which have now officially opened.

The state-of-the-art facilities simulate real-life workplace environments and include industry-aligned equipment across a range of study areas. These include high-demand construction, electrotechnology, and supply chain logistics courses, aviation and aerospace, animal studies, design and fashion, photography, screen and media, and horticulture.

The new learning and teaching spaces will help to ensure students become familiar with the equipment and workspaces they can expect on the job.

Construction students have access to a gravel pit and piering area, supply chain students learn in a simulated logistics warehouse and forklift training space, while future electricians use wiring bays and industry-grade tools.

Design and fashion students can get creative in a new fashion and textiles workshop complete with sewing machines and other modern design tools, while photography students can enjoy a new photography studio fitted out with cameras and lighting with other creative equipment and screen and media students enjoy modern digital arts equipment.

Animal care veterinary nursing facilities, aviation security and remote pilot (drone) equipment, and a custom-built greenhouse are also among the modern new training facilities now available to students in and around Kingscliff.

This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.4 Billion investment in Skills and TAFE in the 2025/26 Budget to improve access and quality of vocational education and training for NSW students, including:

  • $20.1 million for fee free apprenticeships and traineeships
  • $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package
  • $121 million to repair TAFE NSW campuses statewide.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“This $25 million investment to modernise learning and teaching facilities at Kingscliff will make a huge difference to North Coast students looking to start a new career or upskill to keep pace with evolving industry needs.

“As always, the Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering modern, practical learning spaces that reflect the needs of local industries and students, ensuring we are upskilling the workers for the future.

“This is just more proof of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW as the strong and stable public provider of vocational skills training – this investment is a win for students, employers, and communities in the North Coast and in the Tweed Region.”

Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said:

“These new, purpose-built facilities at Kingscliff are a gamechanger for students right across the North Coast. Whether it’s fashion, aviation, construction or animal care, students now have access to the same kinds of tools and environments they’ll be working with in industry.

“TAFE NSW has always been at the heart of giving people the skills they need to get a good job and build a secure future. This investment shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about supporting local students and creating real opportunities here in our regional communities.

“By providing modern, hands-on training spaces, we’re not only giving students the best start, we’re also supporting local industries to access the skilled workforce they need to grow. This is a big win for the Tweed and for the North Coast.”

TAFE NSW Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology, Rada Campbell said:

“The facilities at TAFE NSW Kingscliff are incredibly well equipped – we train on a wide range of sewing machines used in the fashion industry, which builds our confidence and prepares us for real-world production. It’s an exciting time to be a student at TAFE NSW.”

Red and yellow flags fly for beachgoers as NSW patrol season begins

The Surf Life Saving patrol season will commence following the symbolic raising of the red and yellow flags at Dixon Park Beach in Newcastle.

From 27 September 2025 to 26 April 2026, beachgoers can expect to see Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays, as well as professional lifeguards, helping to keep people safe during the warmer months.

Over the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving NSW has seen membership rise by 5 percent to a record 83,000. Patrolling membership has increased by 2.6% to more than 21,000, while Nipper numbers grew by 4.5% to almost 30,000.

It is an exciting time of year but also an important reminder for members of the community to think about how they can keep themselves and their families safe on the sand and in the water.

Addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

There were 52 coastal drownings in 2024/25, down from 61 fatalities the previous year. With a warm and dry summer ahead, this season is expected to keep patrolling volunteers busy.

The NSW Government has been driving action to improve water safety and save lives, including key actions identified through the Minister’s coastal water safety roundtable in March 2024. Key initiatives delivered include:

  • A record $72 million investment for Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
  • Funding has already provided 56 new jet skis from this record investment, with another 11 to be delivered.
  • The installation of new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to support rapid response to emergencies and provide another set of eyes on the beach. Already, 58 out of 64 ERBs have been installed and are operating across our coastline.
  • Further initiatives to ensure rapid response to emergencies all year-round, alongside the ERBs, include UAV (drone) technology and AI camera technology trials.
  • $5.4 million for NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities following the announcement of recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.
  • The launch of a new online Beach Safety Hub to bring together essential information including tips and guidance to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways. Water safety resources are available in 24 languages on the Hub at www.beachsafetyhub.org.au

To learn more about how to keep yourself and your family safe please visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every summer, the red and yellow flags become a symbol of safety and community across our state. The dedication of thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers, alongside our professional lifeguards, gives families the confidence to enjoy our world-class beaches.

“Our record investment is supporting the incredible work of our surf life savers and volunteers and delivering cutting-edge technology that is the envy of the world.

We’ve seen too many tragedies in unpatrolled or isolated locations. With a hot summer ahead, I urge everyone to swim between the flags, listen to the advice of lifesavers, and put safety first. These small steps make all the difference.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“When the red and yellow flags go up in Newcastle, it’s a signal that summer’s here and our community’s safety is in good hands.

“Our coastline is one of the Hunter’s greatest assets, and with new rescue equipment, drones and Emergency Response Beacons, lifesavers have the tools they need to keep locals and visitors safe.

“Our surf club volunteers are everyday heroes. From Newcastle to Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, your dedication keeps our community safe and makes us proud.”

Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I extend my thanks to every surf life saver and volunteer who is part of this annual effort – you are the backbone of beach safety in our great state.

“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering record funding to ensure our surf life savers have the equipment they need to keep our beaches safer than ever before for everyone to enjoy.

“Ahead of a hot summer where we expect millions to enjoy themselves on the sand and in the water, there has never been a more important time to remind people to be aware and take water safety seriously.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Surf life savers are champions of our community who can never receive enough praise.

“Today is a reminder to all to swim between the flags, behave responsibly, and follow the advice of surf life savers. Every life lost in the ocean is one too many.

“I speak on behalf of the whole Newcastle community when I thank our local volunteer surf life saver for keeping our beaches safe for all.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew AM said:

“We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead.

“Surf Life Saving is about family, community, and connection. There’s a role for everyone and we’re always looking for new members, whether you can contribute to admin, first aid, teaching our Nippers or even cooking the club BBQ.

“You’ll learn new skills like piloting a drone and driving an inflatable rescue boat, you’ll gain valuable fitness and make friends for life.”

Record Attendance at SafeWork Health and Safety Conference

The Minns Labor Government is taking a proactive approach to help save lives in the workplace with SafeWork NSW bringing together a record attendance of 405 participants, including over 350 Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) from across the state for its annual HSR Training Refresher Day.

SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priority areas include falls from heights and mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery, managing psychosocial risks at work, harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector, exposure to hazardous substances.

Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities. Of the 274 worker fatalities in NSW from 2019 to 2023, 36 workers died from falling from a height. While from July 2024 to June 2025 there were 267 serious injuries as a result of working from heights.

In March of this year, more than 140 improvement notices were issued by SafeWork NSW as part of a statewide targeted compliance operation to reduce injuries caused by mobile plant (including forklifts), fixed machinery and vehicles in the workplace

These workplace incidents highlight the need to train Health and Safety Representatives who can address potential workplace risks and hazards.

An HSR is an individual elected by workers to represent them on health and safety issues in the workplace. They have the power to keep workplaces safe by issuing Provisional Improvement notices.

They play a crucial role in speaking up about workplace safety on behalf of their colleagues and foster effective consultation on Work Health and Safety (WHS) matters to ensure that workers have a voice in decisions that impact them.

Businesses from over 20 industries have demonstrated their commitment to building safer workplaces by actively supporting HSR attendance at this year’s training day. Among those attending will be workers from the Health, Construction, Transport and Manufacturing industries.

The training day featured interactive sessions designed to help HSRs build their capability and confidence in advocating for workplace health and safety. Other sessions covered a range of topics including addressing psychosocial hazards such as bullying, excessive workloads, violence and sexual harassment.

One of the most powerful sessions was from a member with a lived experience, David White who tragically lost his son to a workplace accident.

The NSW Government’s 2025-26 Budget announcement strengthened the state’s work health and safety regulator with a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.  

51 inspectors are being recruited, which includes 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors.  

The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces. 

More information about HSRs can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-starts-here/consultation-at-work/health-and-safety-representatives

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“This day-long HSR Training refresher not only reinforced the important role of HSRs but also ensured HSRs across metro and regional NSW have the latest information to be able to advocate for safety in their workplaces.  

“Our HSRs are vital to workplace health & safety as they are able to speak out and know the obligations of a work site- because just one fatality at work is one too many.

“I would also like to thank unions, businesses and families involved for their commitment to making our workplaces safer environments.

“Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of every workday.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The WHS community must come together to shift the dial on greater WHS compliance in workplaces, and SafeWork NSW’s recent Health and the Safety Representative Training Refresher Day is a prime example of that change in action.

“HSRs play a frontline role in workplace safety, and their contribution is vital in helping SafeWork NSW shape safer, healthier working environments across the state.

“By building strong relationships between HSRs, regulators, workplaces and unions, we lay the foundation for meaningful change that fosters shared understandings of workplace health and safety and amplifies the impact of safety initiatives across industries.

“SafeWork NSW’s recent Training Refresher Day will be a huge success, and I applaud the 350 HSRs from over 20 industries who will participate for their dedication to improving health and safety in their workplaces.”

Secretary of Unions NSW Mark Morey said:

“Health and Safety Representatives are the backbone of workplace safety across NSW. When unions, government and employers work together we can make serious progress in protecting workers.

“The 350 Health and Safety Representatives who attended this refresher training are returning to their workplaces equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to identify hazards, advocate for their colleagues, and ensure every worker gets home safe each day.

“When HSRs are empowered with the right skills and support, they become powerful advocates for workplace safety culture change.”

TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said:

“I congratulate all HSRs this year who have put their training into action and demanded reasonable safety improvements at their places of work.

“Everyone deserves the right to go to work and feel safe, and taking steps to raise standards is to be commended every time it happens.

“It takes a lot of work and risk to stand-up for workplace safety, but doing so brings the industry along one case at a time.”

Creating manufacturing jobs on the Mid North Coast

The Minns Labor Government is creating local low-carbon manufacturing jobs on the NSW Mid North Coast by awarding just over $2 million to Solidcast, to boost production of low-carbon concrete panels used for housing and other projects.

The Australian-owned company, with a facility in Wauchope, has developed patented precast panels that cut emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional concrete.

These panels can be used in large-scale residential, commercial and civil projects, making construction faster, more affordable and more sustainable. This helps NSW deliver much-needed new housing supply while lowering the environmental impact of the building sector.

Labor’s support to expand operations will create an extra 25 full-time jobs across construction and operation phases.

The concrete panels have attracted significant interest from builders, developers, architects, engineers and government project managers. As well as being easy to use for modular housing, they are also cyclone, fire and flood resistant.

This grant is funded through the NSW Government’s Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, which is investing $480 million to help local businesses expand capability in renewable energy, low-carbon products and clean technologies.

For more information, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“The transition to net zero is not just about reducing emissions. It’s about creating jobs, building industries, and ensuring communities benefit from the opportunities of a low-carbon economy.

“These concrete panels are lighter, stronger and can be made with recycled polystyrene, reducing both transport emissions and the amount of waste going to landfill.

“By backing projects like this, the Minns Labor Government is reducing the carbon footprint of the building industry and supporting regional jobs and housing delivery.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“Regional NSW is home to world-class innovation in sustainable construction and Solidcast is a great example.

“By backing manufacturers like Solidcast, we’re building supply chains at home, reducing reliance on imports, and keeping investment and jobs in our regions.”

NSW opposition congratulates Mal Lanyon as NSW’s next Police Commissioner

The NSW Opposition congratulates Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM on his appointment as the next Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.
 
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon is highly regarded by rank-and-file officers, having served the community since joining the NSW Police Force in 1987. Rising through the ranks, he led the State Crime Command before his promotion to Deputy Commissioner in 2019.
 
In 2022, the Coalition Government appointed him Northern NSW Recovery Coordinator, where he directed the state’s response to the devastating Northern Rivers floods. His leadership in that role showed both his operational strength and his ability to connect with communities in their most difficult times.
 
Most recently, Mr Lanyon has served as CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, helping disaster-affected towns and regions rebuild with confidence. His experience across frontline policing, crisis leadership and community recovery makes him well placed to lead the NSW Police Force into the future.
 
The Opposition also acknowledges outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb for her service and contribution to policing in New South Wales.
 
NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Mal Lanyon brings long experience and will bring steady leadership to the role, with the trust of officers and respect of the community.
 
“His leadership has been tested in disaster zones and in tackling serious crime, and he has delivered every time. I congratulate him on this appointment and thank Karen Webb for her dedicated service,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said Mal Lanyon has walked in the shoes of frontline officers for decades and knows what it takes to keep NSW safe.
 
“He is tough on crime but also understands the human side of policing, whether it’s supporting victims or helping communities recover after disaster. The Police Force will be in strong hands under his leadership. I also thank Karen Webb for her years of service and wish her well for the future.
 
“Residents across NSW will be looking towards Mr Lanyon for leadership and steadfastness in bringing the NSW Police Force into this new era.
 
I look forward to working with the Commissioner and continuing my support for the NSW Police Force”, Mr Toole said.

Addressing world challenges at the United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first visit to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. During the 80th session he engaged with world leaders and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working with partners to address global challenges.  

The Prime Minister delivered Australia’s National Statement to the General Assembly, outlining Australia’s strong support for the UN and the multilateral system.

At UN Headquarters, the Prime Minister hosted an event attended by world leaders on protecting children in the digital age and showcased Australia’s landmark social media minimum age laws.

The Prime Minister also shared Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target at the UN Secretary-General’s Special High-Level Event on Climate Action.

Showcasing Australia as an attractive investment location, the Prime Minister met with senior US business leaders to highlight how the Future Made in Australia agenda will capture the opportunities of the global net zero transformation.

The Prime Minister also joined other partners in announcing Australia’s recognition of the State of Palestine, and addressed the Two-State Solution Conference, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This visit was focussed on taking forward Australian’s national and economic interests at home.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to engage with world leaders on the issues we face as an international community, and advocate for Australia’s interests.

“It was important to highlight global issues at the United Nations that matter to everyday Australians, including the protection of young people online and the global transition to net-zero.

“I was also proud to bring Australia to the world stage and showcase our Future Made in Australia agenda.

“Global challenges require global action, and it’s only together we can solve the problems we face as an international community.”