Category: NSW News

A research project with the ultimate goal to eliminate the need for heart transplants within the decade, is among recipients of a NSW Government grant program investing $3.7 million in 2025 to accelerate collaborative heart disease research and treatments.

Five research teams were awarded the NSW Government’s Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program funding for 2025 at the Westmead Research & Innovation Conference at Westmead Research Hub last night.

The successful recipients include Westmead Institute for Medical Research cardiologist Professor James Chong who is collaborating with senior researchers in NSW, Queensland and Victoria to progress leading-edge research into heart disease.

Professor Chong’s received $750,000 in funding for a project researching a new therapy, which involves the injection of adult stem cells into damaged heart muscle to repair and regenerate heart tissue.

It is hoped that one day this treatment may be used in place of heart transplants to help prevent heart failure following a heart attack, which affects around one person every nine minutes.

The Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program encourages collaboration between clinicians and researchers from organisations such as universities, medical research institutes and hospitals, to enable them to answer complex research questions and to support retention of innovative research in NSW.

The other successful 2025 recipients are:

• Professor John O’Sullivan – Restoring energy generation in heart failure. 
• Dr Javad Foroughi – Innovative artificial heart muscles.
• Associate Professor Cheryl Carcel - Blood pressure lowering treatment delivered pre-hospital.
• Professor Robert Graham - Novel delivery systems to empower complete repair of the heart after a myocardial infarct.

The grants are part of the NSW Government’s Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program, a $150 million investment over 10 years, which aims to improve the cardiovascular health of people in NSW. 

For more information visit: https://www.medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/cardiovascular

Minister for Medical Research, David Harris said:

“Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death in Australia and the NSW Government is committed to funding research that will deliver new and innovative heart disease treatments.

“The NSW Health Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant program connects people and resources, encouraging collaboration between medical research institutes, universities and public health services.

“Supporting these five outstanding teams in their collaborative work meets strategic outcomes of the NSW Government’s Research and Innovation Strategy which aims to accelerate research and harness emerging innovations.

“This work will support efforts to reduce cardiovascular healthcare costs in the future, positioning the state as a world leader in health and medical research.”

James Chong, Head of the Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory at Westmead Institute of Medical Research, said:

“The treatment our group has been developing uses specially cultivated stem cells to repair injured and failing hearts.

“Stem cells have the capacity to become any kind of cell in the body, using a process called differentiation, we create cardiac stem cells and deliver them straight to the damaged area of the heart, where they grow new living, beating heart muscle.

“This treatment could revolutionise the management of heart disease, addressing issues such as heart failure and loss of cardiac tissues after heart attacks.

“Our ultimate goal is to cure heart disease and eliminate the need for heart transplants within the next decade.”

Close to 75,000 HSC students will put pen to paper over the next 17 test days as written exams officially get underway, beginning with English Paper 1 this morning.

HSC written exams mark the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for students, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned during their education.

When the written exams finish on Friday 7 November, with Food Technology being the final examination, HSC students will have sat over 400,000 exam sessions in 123 different subjects from Mathematics to Construction.

Students have already completed language oral exams, practical performances, and major projects during Term 3.

Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff are working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring written exams run smoothly and delivering a fair outcome for every student. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 18 December.

With an additional 9,000 students undertaking at least one exam as part of an accelerated pathway, or completing the HSC over multiple years, it means around 84,000 students will complete an HSC course in 2025.

The2025 HSC written exam timetable can be found on the NESA website, along with the 2025 HSC enrolment snapshot.

The Minns Labor Government has made a record investment in NSW schools since coming to office, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering $9 billion for public education infrastructure right across the state.

Alongside the Minns Labor Government’s investment in education infrastructure, we are making sure there are more teachers in front of students in NSW classrooms and rolling out a new, knowledge-rich curriculum.

We have reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“On behalf of the entire NSW Government I want to wish students the best of luck as their HSC exams begin today.

“You have done the hard work – now is the time to stay focused, look after yourself, and follow a healthy study schedule.

“Thank you to the hard-working teachers of NSW who’ve prepared HSC students for this moment and to all the teachers who have guided students through their 13 years of schooling.”

NSW Education Standards Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said:

“The HSC exam period is a major statewide effort, coordinated by exam staff and school communities, to ensure every student has the chance to perform at their best.

“Teachers, families and caregivers have been a constant source of encouragement and support for these young people – and today is as much a milestone for them as it is for the students.”

In a major boost for Ryde and surrounding communities, Ryde Hospital’s first MRI machine will be delivered as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment, providing enhanced access to medical imaging services for patients closer to home.

The MRI service will be located in the new seven-storey Acute Services Building and enable patients to undergo scans in the hospital, saving time and improving continuity of care.

Currently, Ryde Hospital patients who require MRI scans are referred to a nearby offsite provider, transferred to a neighbouring Northern Sydney Local Health District hospital, or managed through alternative diagnostic measures.

The Minns Labor Government’s major investment will deliver a world-class health facility with expanded health services in Ryde, helping to meet the future health needs of the growing local community.

The MRI service will support a range of diagnostic capabilities at Ryde Hospital across emergency, neurology, orthopaedics, oncology and general medicine, and assist with more accurate assessments and improved treatment planning for patients.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment’s Acute Services Building is expected to be completed in late 2027, with the hospital’s main entrance and landscaping works to follow in 2028.

Main works are well underway, with piling and earth works progressing to establish the foundations for the new hospital building.

The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment project will deliver new and expanded services including:

• A new and expanded emergency department, medical imaging department, intensive care unit, operating theatres and procedure rooms, and surgical/endoscopy day only spaces
• A new purpose-built ambulatory care centre and paediatric short stay unit
• More adult overnight inpatient beds
• Associated clinical and non-clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology, food, environmental, linen and supply services
• Contemporary education, training and research to strengthen tertiary partnerships
• Improved accessibility to the campus, including internal roads, urban spaces, landscaping and wayfinding, and engineering and information and communications technology service infrastructure.

To learn more about the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ryde-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for people to access the healthcare they need and deserve.

“Patients attending Ryde Hospital will be able to access state-of-the-art MRI scans locally once the redevelopment is complete, without needing to travel to other facilities or hospitals.

“The expanded MRI capability will support the growing Ryde community by enabling faster, more targeted diagnostics for patients and clinicians.

“This will save time, ease pressure on existing services and staff, and provide patients with the confidence that they are receiving contemporary care close to home.”

Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale:

“Since being elected, I’ve fought for an MRI service at Ryde Hospital. Today’s announcement means our community will finally get the bulk-billed scans we need, right here at our local hospital.

“Incredibly, the State Liberal’s didn’t budget for an MRI Machine at Ryde during their time in Government. After raising this with Minister Park, I’m glad that the Minns Labor Government has listened to our calls for a public MRI machine to be part of the new Ryde hospital.

“And with reforms to MRI licensing to be finalised by 1 July 2027, the Federal and State Labor governments are working together to make Medicare stronger and more accessible.”

Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

“It’s genuinely exciting to see the Ryde Hospital redevelopment take shape now thanks to the Minns Labor government, and the addition of MRI technology is deeply appreciated.

“In 2023, doctors at Ryde told me about the vital role that MRI technology would play for our community, and I shared their ambitions for a local hospital in Ryde that had the facilities to deliver best-practice care, close to home.

“I’m so pleased that Premier Minns and Minister Park have responded to the needs of our growing community with this investment.”

Northen Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri:

“Ryde’s population is projected to exceed 180,000 by 2041 and this service will play a vital role in supporting better patient outcomes as part of the $526.8 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment.

“It is fantastic that the Ryde community will soon benefit from the advantages of an on-site MRI to facilitate improved diagnostics and treatment planning. This technology supports more accurate assessments, leading to better outcomes and enhanced care standards for patients.”

High-tech K9 pods and a detection puppy are joining the firefighting frontline to help investigate the origin and cause of fires, alongside 133 new firefighters graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW academy today.

Today, 62 permanent firefighters and 71 paid on-call firefighters join the emergency services family. Importantly, 73 per cent of the new permanent firefighters have previously served as on-call firefighters, bringing more than 383 years of combined experience and service into full-time roles.  

The graduating firefighters hail from diverse backgrounds including teaching, surfboard manufacturing, disability support, plumbing, electrical trades, surf lifesaving, media, other emergency services and Defence.

Also joining the firefighting frontline is Garvey, a five-month-old brown and white Springer Spaniel puppy, training to join FRNSW’s world-leading Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine (ILDC) program.

To support Garvey and his canine colleagues, the Minns Labor Government has invested $320,000 in two new custom-built FRNSW K9 pod vehicles, strengthening the ILDC program that has been the benchmark in Australasia for three decades. 

Designed in collaboration with the FRNSW canine team, the pod-style vehicles feature advanced communications and comfort systems for both handlers and dogs, including:

• A purpose-built kennel with air-conditioning and remote temperature monitoring via mobile app
• Multi-compartment design to carry one or two dogs safely and comfortably
• Access ramps to reduce manual handling and avoid stress injuries to dogs
• Full washout capability for hygiene and ease of maintenance
• Modern cab features to improve safety and comfort for handlers 

The vehicles also include a powerful dual battery to support operational communications and vehicle safety systems, enhanced stowage space, and technology connected via mobile and satellite networks.

Paired with dedicated handlers, the dogs can detect minute traces of ignitable liquids at fire scenes and are an essential tool in determining the cause of fires and assisting criminal investigations.

Garvey’s training is focused on getting him used to real-life fire scenes, helping him become comfortable with debris, smells, and textures that are part of his future work. With his acute sense of smell and energetic demeanour, Garvey is expected to join the frontline within 12 months.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“We know how much courage and discipline firefighting requires – it takes a special person to step into that uniform. The firefighters graduating today embody those qualities, and they should be proud of the positive impact they have made and will continue to make in their communities for many years to come.

“I’d encourage people to become on-call firefighters, it’s a great pathway to joining the ranks full-time. As today’s graduating class shows our strategy for recruiting more firefighters, as part of our plan to rebuild emergency services, is working.

“The addition of these new canine vehicles gives handlers the very best tools to do their job safely and effectively, while also ensuring our detection dogs are well cared for.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:

“Our newest recruits will now join metropolitan and regional crews across the state, putting their intensive training into action.

“From today, they are part of an organisation where community trust and safety are at the heart of everything we do. I congratulate them as they embark on their firefighting careers.”

“We’re also proud to welcome Garvey, who represents the next generation of this unique and highly valued program.

“Our Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine team play a vital role in determining the cause of suspicious fires and supporting police investigations.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on a key commitment to support and grow the Creative Industries in NSW, with $3.2 million to deliver a writing and literature strategy.

Stories Matter: A Writing and Literature Strategy for NSW is our state’s first ever dedicated literature and writing strategy. Stories define our identity, reading and writing underpins educational success, promotes social cohesion, builds empathy and cultivates critical thinking.

The sector in NSW also generates around $1.3 billion annually in publishing and retail activity, supports up to 22,000 jobs, and delivers global recognition through rights sales, screen adaptations and tourism. Yet writers on average only earn $18,200 a year from their creative practice.

This strategy outlines a targeted framework to expand access to reading and writing, grow audiences, and build a sustainable, inclusive and globally connected literature and writing sector.

Developed in consultation with writers, publishers, educators, festivals, libraries and cultural organisations, Stories Matter is built upon five strategic pillars:

1. Reinforce our foundations: develop state and federal partnerships and co-investment to increase the effectiveness of existing programs and organisations.
2. Invest in authors: to make writing a sustainable career and enrich the sector as a whole.
3. Promote reading: use the library network, schools and festivals to connect readers with authors, and address declining reading rates, especially amongst younger people.
4. Strengthen the ecosystem: through strategic partnerships with schools, universities, libraries, cultural institutions and local government to expand opportunities for writers and increase the reach and impact of writing and literature across the state.
5. Address structural challenges: Introduce freedom to collect legislation;advocateacross jurisdictions to support the sector.

The strategy commits to the following new key initiatives to grow the sector:

• $100,000 to strengthen Western Sydneyliterature organisations, starting with Westwords, to deliver a Western Sydney school focused program and emerging writers academy.​
• $500,000 Literary Fellowships Fund for authors, playwrights and illustrators.​
• $225,000 for 3 x co-funded Writing Australia collaborations:​
  • LitUp Pilot for regional schools and communities to host events with authors and illustrators.​
  • International Market Development programs to promote opportunities for international sales.
  • Program to support writers to tour internationally or translate and publish their books for new markets
• $200,000 for First Nations writers and publishing professionals’ development fund. ​
• Collaborate with public libraries to launch a membership campaign and invest $630,000 for research and a pilot program to improve women, girls and gender diverse people’s access to libraries and their surrounding precincts.

Minister for Arts, John Graham said:

“Here in NSW, we have an incredible legacy of writers and the biggest publishing industry in the country, but there are still challenges.  

“Writers’ incomes remain low, publishers and reading rates are under pressure from digital media and artificial intelligence poses a profound threat to the publishing industry.

“This requires direct action, because there is too much to lose, and so much to gain, from a strong literary sector in NSW.

“We want our stories to be told, we want to be part of the global literary conversation, and we rely on the social cohesion that comes from the nuance and empathy that books build.”

Stories Matter strategy co-chairs, Brooke Webb and Olivia Lanchester said:

“Our stories aren’t created in a vacuum. Although writers are the primary producers at the heart of the literature sector, they are nurtured and supported by a complex ecosystem of publishers, booksellers, libraries, schools, tertiary institutions, literary festivals, literary organisations and community networks such as book clubs and reading groups.

“It is imperative we invest in the foundations of literary life: in writers and writing, in organisations that support creative development, and in the places and programs that connect people with books and ideas.

“This three–year strategy proposes a clear path forward. It outlines targeted actions to create meaningful career pathways for writers, support publishers and booksellers and grow diverse reading communities across the state.”

James Bradley, Author and working group member said:

“The NSW government’s new literature strategy will make a material difference to the lives of the state’s writers by investing in creators, strengthening the literary ecosystem, and fostering a range of new partnerships with universities, cultural institutions and other organisations.

“But it also helps ensure the benefits of reading and writing are available to everybody by investing in programs to improve literacy and promote reading in schools, supporting First Nations writers and publishing professionals, and allowing readers of all ages to connect with writers through events in libraries and elsewhere.”

Charlotte Wood, Author said:

“Literature is routinely ignored or omitted from general discussion of ‘the arts’, even from within arts organisations themselves. Literature has long been the most poorly funded art form in this country, despite all the studies showing how crucial reading is for our brains and social cohesion, and despite the fact that the book industry contributes more than $2 billion to the Australian economy – on the back of writers’ efforts. It is the most democratically available art form there is – anyone with a library card can access works of literature in the original form, wherever they are and no matter how much money they have. 

“I’m hopeful the strategy will recognise that Australian literature is not merely decorative, a nice thing somehow separate from the rest of life. Because its literature is absolutely central to the intellectual life and psychology of any nation. Australian books and writers are a dynamic contributor to the cultural, economic and political thinking that shapes our society. And unless governments begin to take reading and literary contribution seriously, that flourishing intellectual life is doomed to evaporate.”

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with students turning the first sod to mark the beginning of construction on new permanent buildings for Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

Both the public school and co-located public preschool are being rebuilt at their original Phyllis Street site following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

The new flood-resilient public school and preschool include 13 modern permanent classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, and a games court.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events, including early evacuation.

The new buildings are being manufactured offsite and will be delivered to the school site and installed by crane onto a flood-resilient steel platform, in early 2026.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students earlier this year. Work is also underway rebuilding Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School in the Tweed.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget delivered $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

This targeted investment ensures growing regional communities can access a world class public education. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Construction beginning on the Lismore South Public School rebuild is an important step forward for this resilient community.

“The Northern Rivers has been through so much and our government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and local champion Minister Janelle Saffin, is ensuring students can return to a brand-new permanent school.   

“The flood-resilient design will minimise potential future disruptions, supporting these students and the community for years to come.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is more than a rebuild – it’s an investment in the future of the South Lismore community, ensuring students have the facilities they deserve and reducing the risk of disruption from future floods.

“Rebuilding Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool is a central part of the recovery work the Minns Labor Government is undertaking to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible resilience and strength of the South Lismore community, who have faced significant challenges. Together, we’re building back a better, brighter, and more resilient future.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“Breaking ground on our new school rebuild is an exciting moment for our entire school community. 

“It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff, and the Lismore South community for generations to come.

“This rebuild will deliver resilient school buildings to cater to the needs of our community, and we look forward to seeing our future school take shape.”

Applications for 2027 entry to NSW selective schools and opportunity classes will open on 6 November 2025, with the Minns Labor Government addressing a growing gender imbalance in coeducational selective schools.

From the 2027 intake onwards, there will be an equal number of selective places available for girls and boys at all selective and partially selective high schools, as well as opportunity classes in public primary schools.

This change aims to address a decline in girls accepting, as well as applying for, places in opportunity classes and coeducational selective schools.

The gender mix in selective high schools is now 58 per cent boys and 42 per cent girls, while in opportunity classes it is 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

The imbalance has grown in recent years, from 45 percent of Year 7 places being taken up by girls in 2019 to only 41 per cent in 2025.

In some circumstances, this has led to imbalanced cohorts that are more than 75 per cent male.

Parent feedback has shown girls have concerns about the over-representation of boys at coeducational selective schools, leading girls not to accept places offered to them.

Introducing an equal number of places in opportunity classes and selective and partially selective high schools ensures a healthy gender balance across classes and schools.

Entry to opportunity classes and selective high schools for boys and girls will continue to be based on performance in the placement test.

All students currently enrolled in a selective high school or opportunity class, or who are offered places for 2026, are not affected by these changes.

Applications for 2027 entry will close on 20 February 2026. As announced earlier this year, testing will be conducted at local public school settings from 2026.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to provide opportunities for students to thrive, with applications to open for 2027 selective school and opportunity class entry in the coming weeks.

“There’s a growing decline in girls accepting places in opportunity classes and selective high schools, and we want to ensure our schools have a healthy gender balance.

“Alongside our work to rollout high potential and gifted education across all of our public schools, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their potential.”

Twelve months on from the start of the National Housing Accord, the verdict is in: Labor’s housing plan is failing and failing badly.
 
New ABS figures released today show NSW has fallen 43.5% short of its year-one target. Just 42,581 homes have been delivered over the past 12 months. This contrasts with the 75,400 required each year to stay on track for our Housing Accord commitment of 377,000 homes over the next five years.
 
Labor’s own budget papers admit NSW is set to fall 137,000 homes short of the National Accord target, forecasting just 240,000 completions over five years. One year down, and the Minns Labor Government is already far behind with no credible plan to catch up.
 
Feasibility remains the number one problem for new housing supply. Builders and developers are warning that projects simply don’t stack up and the situation is getting worse under the current tax regime.
 
Part of Labor’s failure is the $12,000 Housing and Productivity Contribution. The Minns Labor Government in 2023 introduced this tax on every new home in Greater Sydney, paid before construction even begins.
 
The NSW Coalition has called for the tax to be paused immediately. A Coalition Government would pause the Housing and Productivity Contribution for the life of the Housing Accord until 30 June 2029, and defer its collection to the occupation certificate stage after that.
 
Density needs to be matched with the infrastructure to support new housing growth, which will enable projects to get off the ground in the first place. Under Labor, little to no additional infrastructure funding has been allocated for the 37 TOD precincts or 171 affected suburbs under the low and mid-rise reforms.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, said the latest figures confirm what the building industry and homebuyers already know: there’s no feasible path to delivering the homes NSW needs under Labor.
 
“After one full year of the Accord, it’s clear Labor’s plan is failing. The numbers don’t lie and families across NSW are paying the price. One year in, all Labor have delivered is a worse housing crisis,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Chris Minns has promised his housing policies would fix the housing crisis. Instead, we’re seeing approvals falling, commencements stalling, and the pipeline drying up.”
 
“At a time when costs are up and confidence is low, Labor has chosen to make it even harder to build. You don’t deliver more homes by taxing the ones you haven’t built yet. Higher taxes and charges continue to make the dream of owning a home even harder for young people and families.”
 
“Labor wants more people to live in communities without the roads, schools, hospitals or services to support them. The concept of master planning has been abandoned by Labor.”
 
“Chris Minns and Labor must finally face up to reality: NSW can’t tax our way to more housing and new housing must come with infrastructure investment. Labor’s one year anniversary of housing failure makes the need for change even clearer,” Mr Farlow said.

The Hunter’s netball community came alive over the weekend as Netball NSW brought its annual Beyond the Court regional roadshow to Newcastle (17–18 October), connecting directly with schools, young leaders, volunteers, and fans through two days of visits, workshops, and community events.NSW Swifts stars Sharni Lambden and Tayla Fraser joined Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott, Board Members, and senior executives for the two-day event, which included school visits, a community meet-and-greet, a Youth Ambassador leadership program, and the Beyond the Court development workshops.

Trish Crews, Executive General Manager of Communities at Netball NSW delivers the Beyond the Court Workshop in Newcastle.

Hundreds of students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College – Berkeley Vale Campus, Wadalba Community School, and Newcastle Grammar School had the chance to meet the Swifts, ask questions, and hear first-hand what it’s like to play at the elite level.Friday afternoon saw crowds gather at the Newcastle Netball Association for the community meet-and-greet, where fans took photos, collected autographs, and chatted with the athletes. Later that evening, local young leaders took part in the Youth Ambassador Program, discovering their leadership strengths through interactive activities and discussions with the Swifts.

NSW Swifts Tayla Fraser and Sharni Lamden educate netball coaches and officials at the Netball NSW Beyond the Court workshop. 

Saturday’s Beyond the Court workshops drew strong participation from coaches, umpires, and volunteers eager to develop new skills across topics such as inclusion, communication, and volunteer frameworks.“It’s been amazing to get out to Newcastle and meet so many passionate people who love this sport,” said Sharni Lambden, NSW Swifts player. “Whether it’s the students we met at school or the volunteers who keep the game running, the energy and commitment across the Hunter is incredible. We’ve had such a warm welcome.”

There has always been strong support for the NSW Swifts in the region and the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season looks to be no different, with fans expected to cheer on the red dress when the season kicks off in March. Trish Crews, Executive General Manager – Communities at Netball NSW, said the regional roadshow continues to strengthen ties between Netball NSW and local associations.“These visits are about connection — listening to our communities, sharing knowledge, and recognising the people who make netball happen every week,” Ms Crews said. “The Hunter region has such a proud netball tradition, and it’s been a privilege to spend time here and see the passion that drives the game forward.”The Beyond the Court regional roadshow forms part of Netball NSW’s commitment to ensuring every community across the state has direct access to the sport’s leaders, athletes, and development programs — inspiring the next generation of netballers both on and off the court.

E-bike clutter on footpaths will be cleaned up, government and councils will have the power to regulate operators and recoup the costs of shared scheme management and infrastructure – under new laws being introduced to the NSW Parliament today.  

This Australian first e-bike shared scheme regulation is the culmination of in-depth consultation with councils, operators and user groups and responds to key recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options. 

Currently, operators can deploy e-bikes anywhere, without approval from councils or the NSW Government. This has led to poorly parked e-bikes creating clutter, e-bikes without helmets, and no controls in place to ensure devices meet minimum standards.

The Bill will establish minimum regulatory requirements for shared scheme operators and give new powers to Transport for NSW to check operators meet these standards before they can provide services. This will improve consistency and reduce duplication across councils.  

Minimum standards include helmet provision, distribution and collection of devices, adherence to council conditions, device specifications, maintenance, minimum insurances, complaints handling processes, incident reporting and rider education. 

The legislation will also give local councils the power to decide where NSW Government approved shared schemes can operate in their area, set dedicated parking areas, go-slow and no-go zones.  

As part of the reform approved shared scheme operators will pay a fee that funds the approvals, compliance monitoring, council rangers, establishing parking bays, active transport infrastructure and a data sharing platform monitoring shared bike use.  

Transport and local councils will be establishing on street and kerb side e-bike parking bays in town centres, train and metro stations. This will give e-bike users and shared scheme operators more clarity on where to park and reduce clutter for pedestrians and other road users.  

Transport and councils will be able to issue penalties to operators who fail to meet the minimum standards and Transport will be able to revoke approvals of operators who breach the requirements. Operators that fail to comply with a removal order face a maximum penalty of $55,000 plus $5500 for each day the offence continues. Operators that fail to comply with requests for information face a maximum penalty of $110,000. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“Shared bikes strewn across footpaths and roads have been an eye-sore and a danger to pedestrians for too long. These Australian first shared scheme laws will clean up the clutter and provide clear standards and consistency for operators and local councils.  

“We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn’t working. That’s why we’re stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met. 

“The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community. 

“We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations.” 

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said: 

“This legislation is about creating a clear, consistent framework that allows shared bikes to thrive as part of our active transport network — safely and sustainably. We want to see these schemes grow and succeed, but in a way that works for everyone, whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a local business.” 

“For too long, shared bike operators have been able to act without proper oversight — resulting in cluttered footpaths, safety risks, and frustration for communities. These new laws put safety, accountability and public amenity front and centre.” 

“This legislation has been developed hand in hand with local councils, operators and transport users. It’s a model of collaborative reform — balancing innovation with community needs, and ensuring local voices shape how shared schemes operate in their streets.” 

Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said: 

“Latest Transport for NSW data shows 15 per cent of people in NSW have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6 per cent riding at least monthly.  

“While this number is likely to grow rapidly, we need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths which can present challenges for everyone – but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs. 

“These reforms will give Transport for NSW and councils the necessary powers to ensure shared e-bikes meet safety standards, people are wearing helmets and the issue of dumped e-bikes on footpaths is fixed.”