Category: NSW News

More than 7,000 Year 1 students across 165 NSW public schools will take part in a new Number Screening Check over the next two weeks, as part of a trial to screen students’ grasp of numbers and provide teachers with the opportunity for early intervention. 

The screening check is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to lift numeracy outcomes, and also a key component of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement signed with the Commonwealth in March, which delivered full funding for NSW public schools.

NSW is leading the nation in developing its own number screening check and will be sharing its resources with other states once the trial is completed.

The teacher-led check takes 10-15 minutes to complete for each student and assesses core foundational learning skills key to later success in maths and numeracy.

Teachers will use the results to provide students with targeted assistance in areas such as counting, ordering numbers, addition and subtraction.

The check tracks student progress and examines their understanding in three main areas:

• numbers – knowledge of whole numbers, for example being shown the numeral 13, recognising it and saying ‘thirteen’
• number relations – knowledge of relations between whole numbers, for example 5 comes before 6, which comes before 7
• number operations – knowledge of how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, for example adding 2 and 4 makes 6.

An earlier pilot tested the content, structure and mechanics of the screener across 19 schools, with initial feedback showing participating schools are already using insights from the number check to plan for targeted teaching.

The expanded trial will help further refine and validate the check ahead of its rollout to all public schools in NSW.

The Year 1 Number Screening Check supports the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, providing teachers with an early view of an individual student’s capabilities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is determined to lift outcomes for students after the Liberals presided over years of declining results amid a teacher shortage crisis they denied and ignored.

“The Year 1 Number Screening Check will be a key resource for teachers, enabling them to assess essential numeracy skills and intervene early to help lift education outcomes for our young learners.

“By identifying at-risk students early, we can ensure that they receive the necessary support in time to get them back on track and reach their full potential.”

Stanmore Public School principal Ben Heinecke said:

“We know students who develop strong maths and numeracy skills early are better equipped to achieve success throughout school and into later life. 

“These checks are a great way to help us identify students who require support in time for our teachers to make a difference.”

The thoughts of New South Wales are with the people of the Mid North Coast and the Hunter right now, as they deal with the floods that have smashed their communities this week.

While the worst of the weather appears behind us, many towns are still cut off by the waters, with warnings still in place. If you are anywhere near the flood zone, I urge you to download the Hazards Near Me app and follow any emergency broadcasts until directed otherwise.

These are tough communities. Having spent the last few days in Taree, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Gillieston Heights, I have seen their strength and composure up close. But they are in pain right now, as they count the costs of the damage, while mourning those who have died in terrible circumstances.

These deaths are a shocking tragedy, but it’s important to know that this disaster could have been on a much larger scale. If it wasn’t for the bravery and professionalism of our emergency workers and volunteers, we may have been mourning hundreds of deaths this week.  

We have seen an incredible logistical effort, working in exceptionally difficult circumstances. In the coming days and weeks, we will hear more stories of people being plucked out of impossible, desperate situations. We will learn of volunteers putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue complete strangers.

Emergency workers have performed at least 765 flood rescues. That involved more than 2,600 emergency service personnel, including 2,200 SES workers, 225 from the Rural Fire Service, 75 from Fire and Rescue, along with members of the NSW Police Force and the Australian Defence Force. In this moment of need, many other organisations also jumped in to lend a hand.

We owe each of these heroes a deep gratitude. Unquestionably, they have saved many, many lives.

As we look forward, it’s important that everyone is across the process of emergency response and recovery from here. Our first priority, of course, is to save people in imminent risk of death. The next priority is to supply food and shelter. The last priority is the cleanup effort.

I understand that there will be some frustrations if your possessions have been swept away, or your business has been smashed. You want to start the recovery as quickly as possible. But we’ve got to make sure the third priority doesn’t jump in front of the first one.

As floodwaters recede, we can move into the cleanup phase.

I know this is asking people to be patient, but we will not leave communities alone to deal with this. Assistance will flow soon, including personal hardship payments of $180 per individual or $900 per household, which we have announced with the Commonwealth Government.

Recovery takes time, long after the cameras move on to some other drama in some other place. But the NSW Government will be there, as people get back on their feet, to walk that road with them. 

I am deeply concerned by reports of violent and racially motivated attacks on members of our Chinese community, including international students and residents here in the Heffron electorate.

While my office has received a handful of emails—some from local constituents, others from beyond our boundaries—the pattern they describe is distressing. Every person has the right to feel safe on our streets, regardless of where they come from or the language they speak.

There is no place for racism in our society. Not in our suburbs. Not in our schools. Not in our streets. As the son of migrants, I understand how painful and personal this issue can be.

I have already contacted the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command seeking urgent advice about these incidents, and asking what actions are being taken to keep our community safe.

I will continue to monitor this matter closely and ensure residents are kept informed.

To all Chinese students, migrants and families who have chosen to make Heffron their home—I want you to know you are welcome here. You are valued. You are respected. And I stand with you.

The Minns Labor Government will make it cheaper and easier for people to access life changing treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by allowing general practitioners (GPs) to treat and diagnose people with ADHD.

Currently, most people seeking a diagnosis, management and ongoing prescription medication for ADHD must see a specialist. This is often extremely expensive and many patients wait months or years to get a diagnosis, or can’t access treatment at all.

The Minns Labor Government will enable GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stable doses of medication, without the need of a formal arrangement. 

A smaller number of GPs will be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate.

Once fully implemented, these reforms will save patients both months of waiting as well as significant costs in accessing treatment. 

In both instances, GPs will be required to undertake accredited training and will receive support. Expressions of interest for GPs to undertake additional education and training requirements will be sought in coming months.

Interested GPs will be able to choose between two tiers of accredited training or registration, with each providing differing levels of capacity to diagnose, treat, prescribe or manage ADHD.

Up to 1000 GPs will be supported to complete additional training to allow continuation prescriptions once a patient has been stabilised.

NSW Health will fund these training packages and mentorship and access to resources to access the implementation of the reforms.

These reforms will be implemented in a staged approach, with an initial focus on prescriptions for children.

This is because a delay in diagnosis can have a significant impact on a child’s development, such as poorer academic progress, employment opportunities and mental health.

NSW is the third state to implement reforms to make it easier for people to access treatment for ADHD. In Queensland, GPs can prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without a prescribing approval, and Western Australia has proposed to allow patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment from specialist GPs with specific skills and additional training in ADHD diagnosis and management.

GP training will commence in the coming months and the ability for GPs to provide ongoing prescriptions for children is expected to open up in early 2026.

Premier Chris Minns:

“By safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis.

“Not getting diagnosed and not being able to access treatment can have a particularly big impact on a child getting the most out of their life, whether that’s academically or socially.

“These reforms help tilt the scales in favour of fairness – reducing the cost of getting treatment by hundreds of dollars, removing red tape for thousands of families and young people, and giving people the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We’re making it easier for children and adults to receive a diagnosis as well as prescription medication for ADHD by allowing GPs to manage this condition.

“We know that people endure long wait times as well as significant expenses just to see a specialist to receive a diagnosis.

“We’re not going to stand idly by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment.

“The option to see a GP to manage ADHD will provide a timely, safe and appropriate pathway to care, while relieving pressure on in-demand specialists.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“For families who’ve been waiting, worrying, and paying too much — this is the much needed relief they’ve been hoping for. Now families won’t need to reach for their credit cards to get the help they need.

“This is about fairness — saving families hundreds of dollars and giving them quicker access to the help they need, without the long, expensive wait for a specialist.

“Too many families are stuck waiting, paying, and struggling to access basic ADHD support — especially in the regions. That’s not just frustrating, it’s fundamentally unfair.

“For kids and families dealing with ADHD, the difference between getting help now and waiting years can be life-changing.

“This is what a fairer mental health system looks like — more choice, less red tape, and support that meets people where they are.”

RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD.

“This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state.

“We know when it comes to ADHD that early intervention is vital, and being able to access appropriate therapy and medications from a young age helps kids thrive at school and at home. So, enabling GPs with specific skills to initiate prescriptions for ADHD medications will stop many children from languishing on outpatient waiting lists. 

“GPs in many parts of Australia, and around the world, are already diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications. Our colleagues in Queensland, for example, have been safely prescribing ADHD medications since 2017.

“We thank the Minns Labor Government and our non-GP specialist colleagues for working with us to deliver safe, accessible, affordable care for children with ADHD. In the years ahead, we look forward to working constructively with the Government to go even further and train up more GPs to diagnose and initiate medication so that all families can access the care and treatment they need.”

Mario Barone, NSW President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia:

“Community pharmacies see ADHD patients every day who are struggling to access a psychiatrist. This means that many ADHD patients are going without important medication. Today’s announcement is a demonstration of the NSW Government’s excellent work to improve access to health care.”

A crack team of specialist Corrective Services NSW officers have seized drugs and weapons after a statewide blitz to prevent contraband entering the NSW prison system.

Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group screened more than 1,200 visitors across 12 correctional complexes this week, seizing knives, ice, opioids and marijuana.

The estimated prison market value for the drugs seized amounted to over $220,000.

The blitz comes as inmates continue to look for ways to smuggle illegal items into centres, including attempting drone drops or covert pick-ups on medical escorts.

Corrective Services NSW relies on a number of measures to prevent the introduction of contraband in NSW prisons, including CCTV surveillance, body and x-ray scanners and spontaneous and routine searches.

These searches for contraband weren’t only limited to the inside of a prison, but also extended right out to the front gates, with both people and cars searched during the operation.

The contraband blitz comes ahead of National Corrections Day on Friday 16 May, which celebrates the work of Corrective Services NSW officers.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Community safety is one of the top concerns of the Minns Labor Government.

“Know this – if you’re foolish enough to try and bring contraband material into our prisons, we will find it, you will be caught, and NSW Police will be notified.

“The drugs contraband that was seized as part of this operation has been estimated to hold a prison market value of over $220,000, which demonstrates just how important the detection of contraband material is, in order to maintain the safety and good order of our Corrections facilities.

“It’s also important to remember that searches for prison contraband aren’t just limited to the inside of the facility, but extend right out to the front gates, with both people and cars routinely searched.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Visitors are critically important to the wellbeing of inmates but what isn’t helpful is attempting to smuggle in contraband that can have a devastating impact not only on the lives of their loved ones but to many others in our custody.

“Prisons are one of the most monitored places in our state – when you enter a centre or complex, you’re being watched and high-visibility operations like these are a good example of why.

“They can happen at any time, at any centre and, combined with our other contraband detection methods, mean there is a high chance you will be caught.

“National Corrections Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude to each person who makes a difference through their correctional work.

“This day is a dedicated thank you to every employee who steps into a prison, works in the community with an offender and supports victims and families.”

Work for the new palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital has taken a key step forward with the main works contractor appointed and major construction set to begin in the coming weeks.

The new palliative care unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program, and will feature 12 palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces.

The new unit will be located in an existing building at the eastern end of the Wyong Hospital campus, which will be extensively remodelled to meet the future palliative care needs of the region.

Main works construction will start following the completion of enabling works, which includes relocating existing services in the building to other parts of the hospital campus.   

Builder Renascent Australia has been appointed following a competitive tender process, with work expected to start on site shortly.

The project team has been working closely with Central Coast Local Health District palliative care staff, carers and community members to complete the detailed design for the new unit, to ensure the best and most appropriate health facility for the local community.

Key design elements include:

• spacious bedrooms for visiting family members, featuring interior finishes to create a home-like environment and large windows overlooking private courtyards
• individual patient balconies, with space to enable patients to access the outdoors and enjoy the garden landscape
• a large family room with dining spaces to accommodate family members to join for meals
• a central garden, with existing trees preserved to provide a backdrop to patients’ bedrooms
• a communal outdoor area that provides a private and spiritual space.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

For more information about the World Class End of Life Program, visit the End of Life Care Program web page.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said:

“I welcome this exciting step in the delivery of a new palliative care unit for the Wyong community.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality end-of-life care at the right time, and in the right place.

“The new dedicated palliative care unit at Wyong will provide a purpose-built space for palliative care staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be an extremely difficult time.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see work getting underway for the new palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital and I’m looking forward to this project taking shape.

“The new unit will provide the best quality care for people who need it the most and will be a valuable addition to Central Coast Local Health District’s existing palliative care services, including the palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital and in-home services to meet both patient and their family needs.”

Elsie’s Project Chair, Margaret Pearce said

“We are so pleased to see the first steps underway in the building of our second palliative care unit for the community of the Central Coast.

“I would like to acknowledge the committee of Elsie’s Project and the Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford Centennial for their steadfast commitment over the past 14 years to achieve this wonderful result.

“We will continue to advocate for increased palliative care services across the Central Coast to ensure everyone is given choice at this difficult time.”

The NSW Government is opening Recovery Centres in flood-impacted parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast beginning from Tuesday.

As floodwaters recede, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with partner agencies to support communities and ramp up recovery operations.

Reconstruction Authority staff are on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Taree.

Recovery Centres will begin opening from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to help impacted communities get the assistance they need, including:

• help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
• legal assistance
• insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
• mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Recovery Centre locations:

• Taree, Taree Manning Uniting Church, 29 – 35 Albert Street
  • Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Port Macquarie, PCYC, 12 Owen St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Kempsey, Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Macksville, Senior Citizens Centre, 39 Princess Street, Macksville
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Maitland, Town Hall, 263 High Street
  • Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm

There will also be mobile community outreach to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports and access financial and other assistance. Information on dates and times will be available in coming days via nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

Information on Recovery Centres and support services will be shared through local radio stations, social media and online, with posters and flyers to be distributed across impacted areas.

People who need immediate help are encouraged to visit nearby Evacuation Centres for food support, social support and emergency accommodation.

The NSW SES website lists the nearest Evacuation Centre and opening hours.

Individuals and communities that remain isolated and need food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance.

Critical information about recovery support is updated daily on the Flood recovery information web page.

The NSW Government is working hard to make sure support is available at every stage, through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open, to help individuals and communities get back on their feet.

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough but I want them to know that the Government is here to lend a helping hand. That’s what our Recovery Centres are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are going to be here the long haul, not just for the immediate clean-up, but for the months ahead as people begin to rebuild their lives. It’s going to be a tough process but I want the community to know that we will be here with you.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re moving quickly to stand up Recovery Centres in the hardest-hit areas to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people without delay.

“Information and access for support is currently available on the Flood recovery information web page.”

The Pacific Highway will be entirely open throughout NSW by early this evening with access to be restored at the major route’s only closed section near Taree. 

Lane and speed restrictions will be in place on the highway between Purfleet and Coopernook as water recedes and crews continue to remove debris from the road.

Motorists will initially have single lane access at this section of the Pacific Highway, with a plan to restore full access over next couple of days. We ask motorists to take extra care while driving through this part of highway, which is an active worksite.

Transport for NSW crews have worked tirelessly to reconnect communities and get freight moving again through this major freight and transport corridor.

Many roads across the North Coast remain impacted by floodwaters. Motorists should never drive through floodwaters – if it is flooded, forget it.

Please check the Live Traffic NSW website at livetraffic.com or download the app to get the most up-to-date information on road closures before heading out.

We thank the community and the freight industry, who we have worked closely with, for their patience while we restore access to roads across the network. 

Until the Pacific Highway reopens (between Purfleet and Coopernook near Taree), the detours outlined below remain in place:

• Northbound: use the New England Highway at Beresfield towards Maitland (do not cross Hexham Bridge) and follow until Glen Innes, join the Gwydir Highway at Glen Innes towards Grafton, join Big River Way at South Grafton towards Tyndale, rejoin Pacific Highway at Tyndale. If you need to head south from South Grafton, follow directions to Glenugie. 
• Southbound: exit the Pacific Highway at Tyndale, take Big River Way to South Grafton, join the Gwydir Highway at South Grafton towards Glen Innes, join the New England Highway at Glen Innes towards Armidale, join the Pacific Motorway at Beresfield. 

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell today issued a firm warning following the arrest of two men for looting following the devastating floods on the Mid North Coast.

Mr Thurtell said stealing from families and local businesses wiped out by some of the worst floods on record is unforgivable.

“We have additional police on the ground and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community we’ll throw the book at them,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

“The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace.

“Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.”

About 8.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025), police stopped a 20-year-old man on Pulteney Street, Taree, when he was allegedly found picking through property in the street.

Police allege that when the man was stopped, he was in possession of two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods and other medical items and tools.

The 20-year-old man was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and custody of knife in public place.

The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today (Monday 26 May 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a 4WD on Albert Street, Taree, about 10.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025).

When personal documents, tools, and a knife were allegedly located inside the vehicle, the driver – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.

He was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Taree Local Court on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

As floodwaters recede, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District – with assistance from PolAir – have increased proactive patrols to target theft and property offences in the region.

Manning/Great Lakes Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, would like to assure the public that police are performing additional patrols around the clock, and extra resources have been assigned to prevent and disrupt further offending.

“We encourage the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible so that we can take action.”

“I’d also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters,” she said.

Residents of Griffith and surrounding communities are being invited to be among the first to tour the new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment at a Community Open Day on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

With construction of the new hospital now complete, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Clinical Services Building, the centrepiece of the redevelopment, and tour key areas including the expanded emergency department, maternity and medical inpatient unit, and specialist clinics.

The Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment will provide new and enhanced services including a new day surgery unit, expanded medical imaging department, more inpatient beds, mobile cardiac monitoring units and improved technology throughout the hospital. 

The hospital also includes an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, three palliative care rooms, and expanded perioperative unit featuring two theatres and one procedure room, equipped with the latest digital technology.

Expanded ambulatory care facilities will provide the community with improved access to a wider range of specialist clinics, including renal, cancer care, rehabilitation, and Hospital in the Home, further enhancing outpatient services.

Work is now underway to ensure the new building and staff are prepared and ready to welcome patients, ahead of its opening. This includes installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment, completing clinical cleaning, stocking departments with medical consumables, and training and orientating staff.

The Griffith Base Hospital’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Community Open Day is a free event. To register to attend, and to find out more, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DAVYX

Griffith Base Hospital Community Open Day
Saturday 14 June 2025
9.00am – 3.00pm
Noorebar Avenue, Griffith

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I had the pleasure of touring the construction site late last year with the Member for Murray, and it is great to hear it’s almost ready to open to patients.

“The open day is a fantastic opportunity for the community to tour this wonderful new facility and have a behind the scenes look before it opens to the public.

“The purpose-built Clinical Services Building will bring all major health services together under one roof, transforming the experience for patients, carers, and staff.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“The new Griffith Base Hospital will increase access to healthcare for patients and is a key part of providing the high-quality services the community of the Murrumbidgee deserves.

“The open day is wonderful chance to showcase this world class health facility to the local community and give people the opportunity to explore some of the areas in the redeveloped hospital they may not usually get to see.”