Category: NSW News

Carol Mudford, renowned mental health advocate and founder of non-for-profit organisation sHedway, was announced as the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award overnight.

Starting off as a small community-led initiative in Dubbo NSW in 2023, sHedway has expanded into a national movement, with Carol promoting mental health awareness by blending healthcare, advocacy, and shearing industry expertise in regional communities in NSW and around Australia.

Carol was up against two other finalists for the NSW/ACT state award – Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, and Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business Wall’s Honey Co.

As winner of the award, Carol will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to go towards professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Carol will now represent NSW/ACT at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The National winner will receive a further $20,000 grant from Westpac and National Runner-Up, an additional $15,000.

All three finalists were sponsored by The Country Women’s Association of NSW, each receiving $1,000 for their self-founded organisations.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates and empowers women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia.

The 2026 Rural Women’s Award nominations will open in September 2025. Find out more information about the Rural Women’s Award, including nomination requirements on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award web page.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional, rural and remote women are provided access and opportunities to thrive. This includes programs to support their return to work and economic advancement, health and wellbeing, and empowerment.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Congratulations to Carol for your determination to supporting the wool industry into a new, more resilient era.

“Your pioneering efforts have succeeded, and we congratulate you for your well-deserved title as winner of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“I encourage any woman with a dream to make a positive impact in their regional and rural communities in NSW to be inspired by Carol.

“Her hard work has personally helped the lives of many shearers, giving the industry a well-supported network to grow.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We are incredibly proud to have Carol taking out the top honour and going on to represent New South Wakes on the national stage.

“She is highly deserving of this award with her incredible achievements supporting regional communities in New South Wales and around the country.

“sHedway is a perfect example of how women can pursue their passion and meet the needs of their community in an innovative way.

“Regional and rural women as some of the smartest and most resilient women I know, and they are unwavering in dedicating their time in supporting their communities to succeed.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said:

“It is very exciting to see Carol announced as the NSW/ACT state winner. As a woman wearing many hats in the industry, it is inspiring to see her marrying up her expertise as a healthcare provider, shearer, and wool handler to create meaningful change for rural and regional communities.

“Mental health support and suicide prevention is a critical service required by our industries and their people and I praise Carol for her dedication and commitment to the prosperity of our industries. We look forward to supporting Carol and sHedway to support others, via her involvement in this award.”

Northern NSW Regional General Manager, Regional Commercial and Agribusiness for Westpac, Andy Kidd said:

“Congratulations to Carol on being named the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. At Westpac, we recognise the key role rural and regional women play in building stronger, more connected communities.

“Carol’s dedication to fostering conversations about mental health in regional communities is remarkable. By drawing on her allied health experience to improve support, particularly in the wool industry, she’s proven what’s possible when women are empowered to lead change, and we’re proud to support her journey.”

2025 NSW/ACT winner

Carol Mudford (Dubbo)

Carol is a Registered Nurse, shearer, and wool handler from Dubbo, NSW. She founded her non-pro-profit organisation sHedway in 2023, which is dedicated to suicide prevention and positive mental health in Australia’s shearing industry.

Carol’s discovery of her passion for shearing in 2020, led her to shearing full-time and she represented NSW as State Novice Champion at the 2023 Sports Shear Nationals. After returning to healthcare as a mental health nurse, she recognised the prevalence of suicide in the shearing community, and the opportunity for change.

With her knowledge of suicide prevention, Carol created sHedway which rapidly grew into a national movement. During 2024, her team delivered 42 events across every state of mainland Australia, promoting mental health awareness and skills at shearing events, talks and industry engagement. Combining her healthcare, advocacy, and shearing expertise, Carol is committed to making mental health a priority in the shearing community.

Learn more about sHedway.

2025 NSW/ACT Finalists

Dimity Smith (Tamworth)

Dimity Smith from Tamworth NSW is a registered psychologist and the founder of two businesses, GRO Rural and GRO Events Group. These innovative businesses connect agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia.

Dimity combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to empowering rural and agricultural communities and helps people in these communities to have greater choice in the work they do, skills to deliver best business practice, and confidence in their abilities.

Dimity’s business GRO Rural was created to focus on challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. These include sustaining remote and contract employment to ensure the longevity of workers, particularly in the dairy industry. This interest was inspired by Dimity’s childhood experience on her parent’s dairy farm. Dimity grew up learning the valuable lesson of hard work and thinking outside the box, which shaped her passion for supporting the sustainability of all agricultural industries and the essential people who keep them thriving.

Learn more about GRO Rural and GRO Events.

Katelyn Wall (Nemingha)

Katelyn Wall is a qualified radiation therapy educator and co-founder of Wall’s Honey Co., an award-winning beekeeping and pollination business based in Nemingha, NSW. Katelyn’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community education led her to build her business around the vital role that bees play in the ecosystem and food supply.

Katelyn’s journey into educational outreach began three years ago when she was invited to lead an interactive beekeeping session at her daughter’s preschool. This hands-on workshop inspired her to start her business focusing on educating children about pollination and its essential role in food production with programs for preschools and community organisations.

Katelyn has expanded the workshops to include interactive beekeeping and beeswax wrap workshops and has extended the reach of her program to aged care facilities, scouts, local gardening clubs, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), and other community groups. Through these initiatives, Katelyn continues to inspire a love for bees, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Learn more about Wall’s Honey Co.

Today, the largest class of NSW Police Force (NSWPF) recruits in 11 years attest the Goulburn Police Academy with the 302 new Probationary Constables set to start work in communities across NSW on Monday.

These new officers will help bolster the force’s frontline capabilities by providing more boots on the ground to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

Today, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing a new recruitment initiative – the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program – designed to attract top-performing athletes to the NSWPF.

Today’s attestation is a key milestone in the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the force and addressing recruitment and retention issues following 12 years of neglect by the former Liberal-National Government.

Class 365 attests after successfully completing eight months in the Constable Education Program – four months of distance education and four months of rigorous, hands-on training at the Goulburn Police Academy.

The recruits will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 75
• Northwest Metropolitan Region – 66
• Northern Region – 45
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 63
• Southern Region – 26
• Western Region – 27

Class 365 is made up of 221 men and 81 women. Eight recruits are receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.

Six dogs from the NSWPF Dog Unit will also be graduating, highlighting the important role our four-legged officers play in supporting frontline police work.

Class 365 received payment to train at the academy, following the Minns Labor Government’s historic announcement to pay recruits to train.

Eight Probationary Constables will also benefit from the new You Should Be a Cop in your Hometown initiative and are now returning to, or near, their hometown to start work.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support the NSW Police Force and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:

• abolishing the wages cap
• setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 70 per cent over the previous year
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Since we announced paid study, more than 3,900 people have applied to join the NSWPF, a 70 per cent increase compared to before this announcement.

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in 94 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced officers from other Australian states, territories and New Zealand.

We have also secured a historic pay rise for officers which puts them among the best paid in the country.

Today’s announcement of the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program will further assist to attract a more diverse range of recruits.

The program is designed to attract top-performing athletes and provide them with a flexible, supported pathway into policing while continuing their athletic careers.

The program acknowledges traits athletes possess are well aligned with policing, including discipline, resilience and teamwork.

While strong progress has been made in the way of recruitment and retention, the work is far from done and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“To the around three-hundred new recruits: a big, warm welcome to the NSW Police Force. Thank you for putting yourself forward to protect the NSW community.

“Our Government’s number one priority is community safety, and our NSW police are on the frontline every day.

“This is the latest class to benefit from our paid study program, we have delivered police a historic pay rise, and we have launched initiatives to get cops back to the bush.

“While there is more work to do, we are turning around the police recruitment crisis left by the Nationals and Liberals.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We are so proud of Class 365 as they begin what we hope is a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force. These Probationary Constables are stepping up with the integrity, courage and commitment NSW communities depend on.

“For many attesting today, becoming a police officer wouldn’t be possible without paid study. This landmark recruitment reform has given a diverse new cohort the opportunity to join the best police force in the country and our community is all the richer for it.

“The new officers will be deployed where they are needed the most, providing much-needed support for the hardworking police already on the frontline.

“We want to give more people the opportunity to join the NSW Police so I am pleased to announce the Elite Athlete Program to help achieve this.

“The NSW Labor Government backs our police every step of the way. We wish Class 365 all the best as they head out into the field – ready to serve and protect communities right across NSW.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“This class demonstrates a major turning point in recruitment for the NSW Police Force.

“It’s the biggest class in 11 years with more than 300 recruits marching off the parade ground, which is a milestone in our campaign to boost the ranks.

“Based on the weekly average, the number of applications has increased by 70% since November 2023 when I announced the new payment scheme for all recruits.

“Many of our new probationary officers would not be here today to reach their dream of becoming a police officer without that wage.

“Since November 2023, we have seen a 33% increase from female applicants which is a critical addition to the force.”

Construction is now underway on the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, which will improve access to a range of healthcare services for residents of the Illawarra.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully joined health workers and the project team for a sod turn event to mark the major milestone.

The new Centre will be located at the northeast corner of the former Port Kembla Hospital site and is part of the more than $780 million of investments in health infrastructure in the Illawarra, funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The new facility will bring together a range of speciality services in one purpose-built health centre including:

• Child and Family Health Services
• Binji and Boori (Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service)
• Community nursing
• Community Mental Health
• Sexual Health Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services and
• An equipment loan pool

The new Centre will feature courtyards to support patients accessing clinical services, providing spaces for outdoor education, respite and clinical therapies.

The Project will also include dedicated accessible parking spaces and landscaping which has been designed with input from local Aboriginal groups and features a variety of native plants and trees.

Stephen Edwards Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new Community Health Centre which is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“It’s fantastic to see construction underway for this new Community Health Centre, which will deliver improved access to out-of-hospital care and support, close to home, for those who need it in our community.

“This new facility will make a significant difference for patients, their families, and staff by co-locating a range of support health services to create a more seamless flow of health service provision for all.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The new Warrawong Community Health Centre is an important part of the network of health infrastructure for the Illawarra that is being built or renewed.

“It is great to see shovels hit the ground, and am looking forward to seeing this exciting project come to life.

“After many years of advocating for this new Community Health Centre, Wollongong’s southern suburbs will be provided with a modern healthcare hub, bringing much-needed health care services together under one roof.”

The Minns Labor Government is boosting connectivity and resilience in Western NSW with up to $15 million funding for runway upgrades and safety improvements to accommodate larger planes.

The Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, was in Bourke today to announce that the Government is working closely with the Bourke Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council and Edward River Council to future proof access at three priority airstrips.

The funding and work will enable better essential and emergency services access and allow for a greater range of operations at the airstrips. The funding is being made available as follows:

• $4.66 million available to strengthen the runway at Bourke Airport
• $5.76 million earmarked for improving White Cliffs airstrip
• $4.57 million set aside for enhancing Deniliquin Airport airstrip.

The funding is being made available as part of the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund set up to focus on community connection and capacity building, plus improving regional service delivery.

The Airstrip Improvements in Rural and Remote NSW Program aims to improve access to vital health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies in regional NSW, including in times of natural disasters.

Th program will support the three councils to deliver various improvements including increasing runway lengths, plus strengthening and widening to allow larger planes to take off and land safely. The work will also look at potential upgrades to lighting and line markings.

The ability to support larger aircraft will benefit health, community and emergency services, tourism operators, education and training providers and the business sector.

Improved air connectivity will also increase linkages between rural and remote towns, resulting in stronger, vibrant regional communities.

The projects have been informed by a NSW Government initiated statewide audit of rural and remote airstrips, which included consultation with asset owners and aeromedical service providers, to ascertain the priorities for undertaking improvements.

Work on the upgrades is expected to commence during 2025.

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our rural and remote airstrips are a lifeline for regional NSW communities and provide vital access points for health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies, including in times of natural disasters.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making access for regional communities better and this investment from our Regional Development Trust Fund is delivering infrastructure to where it is needed and will make real improvements.

“These upgrades at the Bourke, Deniliquin and White Cliffs airstrips will ensure these important assets are well prepared for the future with the ability to accommodate larger planes as fleets change in size and grow to bring more people, goods and trade to regional NSW.

“The Bourke Airport is a critical hub in Western NSW that supports health professionals, emergency services and trades whilst also providing the community with access to commercial flights to Dubbo and beyond.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $5.5 million into the construction of the crisis shelter in Clarence Valley LGA to ensure victim-survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe and secure place to go to when they escape abuse.

Local service provider Momentum Collective will deliver the building project. The refuge will have a cluster of up to six accommodation units, which are expected to open in 2026.

Based on the Core and Cluster model, each unit will be self-contained to ensure the privacy and independence of residents and to allow people to bring their family pet with them to safety.

A ‘core’ area will include open spaces for children to play, as well as private rooms to facilitate access to one-on-one support such as counselling or legal advice.

All spaces have also been designed to be culturally safe and appropriate, so all women and children who come through its doors feel supported to recover from trauma, restore their connection to community and rebuild their lives.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides crisis accommodation and on-site support services to women and children leaving violence.

Once completed, Core and Cluster refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles. We are committed to providing wraparound supports to victim-survivors escaping abuse, as well as strengthening our justice system to make perpetrators accountable, intervening earlier so violence doesn’t escalate, and implementing a primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“A woman fleeing an abusive relationship should not have the burden of worrying about where she and her children will sleep that night.

“No one should have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent situation.This new refuge will provide vital support for women and children in  Clarence Valley, to ensure they have a safe place to go when they need it most.

“This refuge will give women and children the stability and care they need after escaping violence — helping them recover, reconnect and begin rebuilding their lives.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It’s crucial that we continue to provide culturally safe services and supports for Aboriginal women and children escaping violence, as they may experience multiple and intersecting challenges impacting their experience of violence, and face additional barriers to seeking support and safety.

“This new refuge is one of nine under the Core and Cluster program that are Aboriginal-led to support the safety of Aborignal women and children, so they can turn their mind to rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with the community.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives.”

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

“We know there is a great need for crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, especially in regional and rural New South Wales. We are working hard to deliver more refuges under the Core and Cluster program as fast as possible.

“Women and children fleeing violent and abusive homes have experienced trauma, and we’re making sure these refuges are designed to help women heal and recover by providing them with independent living spaces and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, accessible, on-site support.

“We want all women and children to know that they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship or return to a violent situation because they have no place to go.”

Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Core and Cluster model rolled out in the Clarence Valley.

“I want to commend the work of Momentum Collective and Gurehlgam, for the care taken to design a culturally safe place for our community.”  

Dr Tracey Mackie CEO of Momentum Collective said:

“Momentum Collective is on a mission to create inclusive opportunities and positive outcomes for all the people we work with, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

“That’s why we’re building this service because we know that when people come through the doors, they will enter a safe place where they will be supported to heal from trauma and build brighter futures.

“In partnership with local, Aboriginal-led Gurehlgam, we have secured a calm, tranquil and nature-rich location on which to create this safe space that supports breaking cycles of violence and empowering individuals to live free from violence and abuse.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

Disaster assistance is now available in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the impact of flooding.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

• Assistance for impacted residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

The NSW SES, NSW Reconstruction Authority and other services are out on the ground assessing impacts and providing support. To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“We have seen that flooding has had a significant impact on the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, and Walgett. The waters may have finally receded, but people still need help.”

“Recovery has a long tail, and it takes time, but the NSW Government will be working with our partners in the Commonwealth to make sure that communities in the Far West are listened to, and that they get the support they need.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

Over 105,000 homes are set to be fast-tracked following a major investment in regional planning and housing initiatives.

Round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will deliver 24 councils nearly $4.4 million to unlock housing supply through strategic planning initiatives.

Grants of up to $250,000 will support councils to develop and update housing strategies, plan for infrastructure and essential services, and amend local environmental plans to bring forward the construction of more diverse and affordable housing.

Successful projects in Newcastle and the Central Coast support the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development reforms aimed at boosting housing supply around train stations, as well as the Low and Mid-Rise Policy which promotes more diverse housing.

Other successful projects include the South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy, the Singleton planning control review and the Narrabri Development Control Plan update.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state, regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes over five years. The projects funded under this program will support the delivery of this five-year target.

More people are choosing to live in regional NSW, but homes have become more expensive and harder to find, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital.

By funding local housing, planning and infrastructure projects we will build better communities across regional NSW.

Funding for the first two rounds of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $6.88 million to 36 projects.

Key projects delivered so far include the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan in Bathurst, West Dapto Town Centres Master Planning in Wollongong, and the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy, which will help advance more homes in the pipeline.

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

For more information on the successful councils and their projects, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“By investing in planning today, we’re helping councils deliver the homes, parks, transport connections, and infrastructure communities need, and making sure young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions.”

“Good planning unlocks opportunity. Through this fund, we’re giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed, more liveable communities across regional NSW, close to transport, jobs, and essential services.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We’re making real progress unlocking more homes across regional NSW by giving councils the support they need to plan for growth.

This $4.4 million investment will fast-track over 105,000 homes and help ensure our growing regional communities have access to the housing, infrastructure, and services they deserve.”

Round Three – Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund
Council	Project	Funding	Homes
Central Coast Council	Central Coast Council residential zone review program	$250,000	2558
Griffith City Council	Griffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case	$190,000	120
Goulburn Mulwaree Council	Technical studies to inform Goulburn’s CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project	$122,378	4226
Murray River Council	Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama	$99,025	3890
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing	$200,000	1817
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan for Wolumla	$50,380	1096
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay Urban Renewal Project	$200,000	8000
Singleton Council	Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing	$120,671	8860
Lake Macquarie City Council	Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy	$250,000	2849
Port Stephens Council	Port Stephens infrastructure needs analysis	$249,490	11,100
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)	$250,000	500
Uralla Shire Council	Uralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer	$250,000	208
Inverell Shire Council	Inverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas	$220,000	1002
Cobar Shire Council	Cobar Local Housing Strategy	$166,840	TBA
Central Darling Shire Council	Central Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy	$156,335	35
Narrabri Shire Council	Narrabri Development Control Plan update	$47,000	5960
Coonamble Shire Council	Coonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy	$69,916	60
Gilgandra Shire Council	Gilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000	$226,930	481
Orange City Council	South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy	$164,772	2740
Mid-Western Regional Council	Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation	$210,000	240
Parkes Shire Council	East Parkes Masterplan and Servicing Strategy	$185,799	980
Dubbo Regional Council	Dubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington	$250,000	1400
Albury City Council	Albury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct	$192,000	23,421
City of Newcastle	Accelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle’s Transport Oriented Development precincts	$250,000	23,591

The Minns Labor Government is reminding consumers to behave respectfully, as new figures reveal more than 100 people have been charged under tough laws to help protect retail workers.

The reminder to all customers that ‘violence and aggression against the retail workforce is never okay’ follows the Minns Labor government implementing the Crimes Legislation Amendment in June 2023.

Since its implementation, 136 individuals have been charged with offences under the act with 64 individuals convicted of an offence and 25 individuals receiving a custodial imprisonment sentence.

The new laws make it an offence to:

• assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, even if no actual bodily harm is caused to the worker, with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment

• assault a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty and cause actual bodily harm to the worker, with a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment

• wound or cause grievous bodily harm to a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to the worker or another person, with a maximum penalty of 11 years’ imprisonment.

Workplace violence has significant impacts on a person’s physical and psychological health, and includes any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment or aggressive behaviour.

The Retail trade sector is the second largest employment industry in NSW, representing nine percent of the total workforce or almost one in 10 workers.

Anyone can anonymously report an incident of violence in the workplace by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app.

For more information on safety in the retail sector, visit the SafeWork website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“As a former retail worker myself, I want people to take a moment to remember that the people who serve you deserve respect.

“If you do the wrong thing, if you threaten or assault a retail worker, you can and will be charged.

“The NSW Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Retail workers have the right to feel and be safe when they go to work and these strong laws will continue to protect them.”

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:

“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in Australian shopping centres. Sadly, retail workers do not with 88 percent of workers being subjected to abuse including physical violence, with 1 in 10 reporting being spat on. Enough is enough, this must change. Everyone has a right to feel safe at work.

“There are now serious consequences for offenders who abuse retail workers including increased jail time. Don’t ruin our members’ day with bad behaviour in shops – don’t ruin your life with a bad decision.

“We ask customers to stop, reflect and do the right thing in shops.  Be kind to retail workers, it’s the best present you can give them.”

Chief Industry Affairs Officer Australian Retailers Association Fleur Brown said:

“It’s encouraging to see the progress being made in NSW following the introduction of targeted penalties to help keep retail communities and spaces safe and we commend the work of the government and police to enforce this.

“No one deserves to be spat on, threatened with weapons, intimidated or harassed for simply doing their job. Let’s work together to keep our retail teams safe.”

Coles General Manager Grant Shelton said:

“We are deeply committed to providing a safe working environment for our team members, and we have invested heavily in advanced safety technologies and training programs. 

“Our record-level investments in safety measures, such as body-worn cameras and de-escalation training, underscore our dedication to protecting our team members and customers.” 

Kmart and Target CEO John Gualtieri said:

“Keeping our team members and customers safe is our number one priority at the almost 450 Kmart and Target stores right around Australia and New Zealand.

“The concerning increase in customer threatening situations that is affecting Australian retail is not acceptable and is something that we need to take decisive action to stop.

“As a community we need to say enough is enough and support active measures that we know will increase safety for not only retail workers but for the community.”  

Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin said:

“Workers’ compensation data over the last three years shows us most claims in the retail sector are made by sales assistants at fuel retailers, supermarkets and retail department stores – and around 60 per cent are made by female workers.

“We are asking customers to maintain appropriate behaviour when interacting with retail workers, and to have a little patience and understanding.

“Every worker has a right to go to work and come home safely, and we need to remember this and keep a cool head during peak periods.”