Category: NSW News

We’ve seen a horror period on the state’s roads with five deaths in less than 12 hours.

These are five people who are not coming home and five families who are now dealing with terrible grief.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones and our thoughts are also with the police and other first responders who attended these horrific crashes. It is deeply traumatic to be confronted by such scenes.

We implore everyone to make safe choices on our roads this Anzac Day long weekend – take your time, stay focused, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don’t drive tired.

Double demerits are in force and police are saturating the roads right across the state, however they cannot be everywhere 24/7.

Every driver has a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users every time they get behind the wheel. We all have a responsibility to make smart, safe choices on our roads.

Incidents include:

• A male learner motorcycle rider aged in his 20s died on Coomba Road, Coomba Park.
• A male motorcyclist in his late teens died in a collision with a ute at Mount Thorley.
• A woman in her 70s died after her car hit a tree and caught fire near Wauchope.
• A man aged in his 60s died after his 4WD crashed and rolled in South Kempsey.
• A single car crash on Berremangra Rd, Berremangra resulted in one death.

This follows the deaths of three people during the Easter long weekend, bringing the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year to 112, which is five more than the same time last year.

The Fairfield community is being invited to have its say by providing feedback on plans for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with the Master Plan for the project unveiled today.

The NSW Government is investing $550 million in the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment to provide the community with new and enhanced integrated health care services closer to home.

The Master Plan outlines the vision for the redevelopment and shows how it will integrate with existing health facilities, while allowing for future development opportunities on the site.

A redevelopment zone at the front of the existing Fairfield Hospital building has been identified, where new clinical facilities could be housed in the future, conveniently located close to the existing hospital to enable integration with existing services. 

The scope for a new clinical services building, to be located within this zone, will be confirmed as part of the next stage of planning. Parking zones located close to either end of the hospital buildings have also been outlined, as well as green zones providing outdoor spaces. 

As part of early planning, hundreds of community members and health staff have provided valuable feedback to help shape the future of the redeveloped Fairfield Hospital, identifying features important to them, including natural light and views, simple drop-off and pick-up areas and a health facility that reflects the vibrant and diverse local community which Fairfield Hospital services. 

In a first for NSW Health capital works projects, new light scanning technology has been used to give precise measurements of hospital buildings helping to guide planning for the redevelopment. The technology relies on a state-of-the-art body-worn scanner which bounces lights off the walls, providing accurate floor plans instantly. 

The new technology enables a room to be measured in a few seconds, and because it does not capture images of people, both occupied and vacant rooms were quickly and easily scanned, without disturbing staff, visitors or patients. In six days, data was captured for 600 internal spaces in Fairfield Hospital as well as key service areas, the cafe, entries, roads and grounds. 

The Fairfield community is being encouraged to have their say on the Master Plan and provide feedback, with community information drop-in sessions planned at:  

Fairfield Hospital main foyer

• Tuesday, 6 May 12:00pm – 2:00pm
• Wednesday, 7 May, 7:00am – 9:00am

Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Friday, 9 May 10:00am – 12:00pm

Please check the website for additional dates and more information. The community is also being invited to participate in a new survey, which can be completed online to help shape planning for the $550 million redevelopment. 

South Western Sydney Local Health District is currently determining clinical priorities for the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. This will help inform the next stage of planning and outline the location and size of the project. 

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a builder is engaged, and the community will continue to be updated as planning progresses. 

A re-elected Federal Albanese Labor Government will invest an additional $80 million to expand the hospital’s emergency department.

NSW Government is investing more than $3.6 billion over four years for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.  

Other projects include:  

• the New Bankstown Hospital  
• Canterbury Hospital’s first major redevelopment since 1998   
• the expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals  
• the new Rouse Hill Hospital.  

For information on the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment master plan, including community survey and information sessions visit:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-hospital-redevelopment

For more information of the project visit: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/fairfieldhospitalredev  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“Fairfield and surrounding communities deserve a hospital that meets their growing healthcare needs.

“I’m so pleased that the Fairfield Hospital redevelopment is a step closer to being realised.

“The release of the master plan is a critical stage when the community can have a first glimpse of the shape of the project and what it has to offer, as well as providing their valuable feedback.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott:

“This master plan is an exciting new chapter for the future of our redeveloped hospital.

“Community and staff feedback is so valuable, I encourage our local community to attend the information sessions and to have their say via the online survey.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba:

“The project will provide a significant boost in employment. The Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment will support an estimated 1000 jobs with the potential for supporting thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo:

“I’m pleased to see this project is progressing, and I encourage the community to attend the drop-in sessions to see the plans and provide their feedback.”

Chief Executive South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sonia Marshall:

“The launch of the Master Plan for Fairfield Hospital signals an important milestone in providing expanded and enhanced facilities for our staff and community.”

“I am excited that our staff and the community will have the opportunity to give their feedback at upcoming information sessions which will help shape this fantastic redevelopment.’’

Acting Fairfield Hospital General Manager, Cara Egan:

“The momentum is clearly building on the ground at Fairfield Hospital, with staff and the community excited about the announcement of the Master Plan which will guide our redevelopment.”

“This redevelopment will provide contemporary, purpose-built health facilities and services to care for our growing community closer to home.’’

At a time when many are drowning in bills, skipping meals and scraping every dollar to survive, a convicted corrupt former NSW Labor Minister has been allowed to walk away with $30 million.
 
There will be no action taken to confiscate Eddie Obeid’s fortune — and yet the Minns Labor Government is nowhere to be seen.
 
Eddie Obeid wasn’t just any Labor figure. He was at the core of the former Labor Governments — a powerbroker whose name became synonymous with the worst corruption in NSW political history.
 
Now he keeps his $30 million, and the Minns Labor Government has nothing to say?
 
Everyday people in NSW are being punished by the cost-of-living crisis, while one of Labor’s most corrupt figures keeps his millions.
 
We are calling on the Acting Premier and Acting Attorney General to come out from hiding, front up to the people of NSW, and explain in detail why there are no legal proceedings to recover every single cent.
 
This isn’t about legal loopholes — it’s about moral leadership and public confidence in our legal and political systems.
 
The public can’t be left with the impression that that corruption in this state is fine as long as you’re Labor royalty.

The Minns Labor Government is responding to calls from local government to help address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW.

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released today and offers stakeholders the opportunity to help shape reforms to the urban tree clearing framework.

A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released.

The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.

Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation to close loopholes that have been open to abuse.

The EIE responds to growing concerns among councils, the community and stakeholders that the current framework needs to be updated.

In addition to the EIE, the new Cooler Places hub has also been launched today to help address urban heat.

The NSW Government’s Cooler Places online resource has also been released to assist councils, residents and developers in accessing practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs.

Urban heat can have negative effects on communities’ wellbeing, creating hotter homes and streetscapes. Some features of our urban landscape, such as the large areas of hard and dark surfaces, contribute to rising temperatures and amplify heatwaves.

The resource encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.

In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.

Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.

Cooler Places will help deliver cooler, more resilient cities, precincts, streets, parks and homes.

To read the illegal tree and vegetation clearing EIE and make a submission visit the Vegetation in non-rural areas web page.

The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025

For more information on Cooler Places visit the Cooler Places web page.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW records some of the hottest temperatures on the planet and we need to minimise the impacts of urban heat and build climate resilience.

“Tackling illegal tree clearing is an essential part of this.

“Working with councils on these proposed measures will increase the ability to crack down on illegal activity.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land.

“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable. These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas.

“I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes.

“The Cooler Places resource contains tips and advice on how to design and build cooler homes and neighbourhoods, delivering better communities.”

The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and the Wollongong Station Masterplan have been released for public consultation and provide a long-term plan to guide the future development of the area.

The Minns Government is seeking community feedback on the future of the Wollongong Health Precinct, which is set to become a world-class healthcare centre that meets the growing needs of the Illawarra region.

The Draft Strategy outlines strategic planning directions to inform public and private investment and to enable the community, businesses and investors to make informed decisions that will help realise the vision for the Precinct as an attractive, vibrant and thriving place.

The Draft Strategy also identifies a series of Government-led initiatives to unlock the potential and bring the vision for the Precinct to life. These include:

• public spaces and transport to support amenity and movement between key areas
• public safety and access within and around the Precinct – including links with the train station and the central business district
• opportunities for affordable housing for future residents and key workers.

The population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is projected to grow by 36 per cent to 575,000 by 2041, from 422,000 currently.

By 2031, it is expected there will be 25,000 more hospital admissions across the region, and an added 39,000 emergency department presentations.

The Draft Strategy puts in place the building blocks for agencies across Government to make sure the Wollongong Health Precinct meets the health and other service needs of this growing population, while supporting the housing needs for the workers required to deliver these services.

Additionally, Transport for NSW has developed a Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan which will be available for comment alongside the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.

The Transport for NSW Draft Masterplan outlines a long-term vision for transforming the Station Precinct into a vibrant, connected and inviting transport hub that reflects the unique identity of Wollongong. It provides direct active and public transport links to the surrounding area including to the city centre, foreshore and hospital.

The Draft Masterplan proposes to upgrade the gateways to and from the station on Crown Street, Gladstone Avenue and Station Street and identifies ‘opportunity sites’ for future development.

Public consultation for both the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and Transport for NSW’s Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan begins on 24 April 2025 and is open until 11 June 2025.

To read the Draft Strategy and Draft Masterplan and to make a submission, visit the Have your say web page. 

For more information on the Wollongong Health Precinct, visit the Wollongong Health Precinct web page.

Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Wollongong Heath Precinct Strategy recognises that the Illawarra region needs greater access to high quality, patient-centred healthcare and medical research.

“Wollongong Public Hospital is the region’s principal referral hospital and specialises in a range of complex health services to support a growing and ageing population.

“It is running at near capacity, and strategic upgrades will be required to ensure it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra now and into the future.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy supports our Government’s $21.9 million investment to upgrade and expand Wollongong Hospital. Construction of a new MRI and CT imaging suite at the hospital is underway, and the existing Medical Ambulatory Care unit is being relocated to a new location, responding to the health needs of the growing local community.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“As the population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is expected to grow to 575,000 by 2041, it has never been more important to get these crucial planning steps right.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-leading and innovative health care, improved connection to Wollongong Station, new and enhanced open public spaces, and new affordable housing choices.

“Making sure there is alignment between future plans for the health precinct and the future plans for the station is important so they are working together in the best interests of the future of the city.

“We need to make sure we have enough housing closer to where people work, and easily accessible health infrastructure.”

When Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope, he took his papal name from St Francis of Assisi – as a model of humility, simplicity and love for the poor.

That is how Jorge Bergoglio lived his life – and that his how Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for over a decade.

To the end, Francis was a pope of the people.

As an Archbishop, he would catch the bus around Buenos Aires. And as Pope, he said no to the official limousine, and instead travelled across Rome in a blue Ford Focus.

Pope Francis understood that grace lives within every human being, whether they were born rich or poor, high or low.

Through the strength of his example and the quiet passion of his words, he showed us the power of the great Catholic teachings.

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence with a new refuge in Goulburn set to begin construction this year.

The government is partnering with experienced service provider Anglicare in this project, with an investment of more than $5.5 million.

The refuge will feature six, three-bedroom crisis accommodation units, which Anglicare is expected to deliver by the end of 2026.

It will also be designed to accommodate women and children with disabilities, and includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible unit.

Based on Core and Cluster design principles, the ‘cluster’ of self-contained units that promote independent living and privacy will be located near a ‘core’ of common areas that can be used to deliver support services for victim-survivors.

There will be child focused spaces such as a sensory play area, pet-friendly spaces, private rooms for counselling and one-to-one support, as well as larger common areas such as a community garden for group activities and programs.

The facility will also have culturally sensitive spaces, such as a yarning circle, to promote the healing and wellbeing of its future occupants.

Every aspect of the refuge’s design is focused on the safety, wellbeing, independence, and dignity of its future occupants.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which once completed will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year with housing and support services.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to address the scourge of domestic and family violence in the state. This includes continuing to provide support and safe accommodation for victim-survivors, as well as justice reforms, intervening earlier, and rolling out a primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“The housing crisis disproportionately impacts women and families who are escaping domestic and family violence.

“The NSW Government is building more homes and delivering crisis accommodation, dedicated to women and children fleeing violence, to ensure they have a safe place to turn when they need it most.

“This refuge in Goulburn will provide the stability and support domestic violence victim-survivors need to recover and rebuild their lives.”

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

“Women and children experiencing and fleeing violence and abuse are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.

“That’s why this government is investing in crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and ensuring they are supported to heal, recover, and reconnect with their community.

“Once built, this refuge will be a safe place for women with or without children to rebuild their lives and live free from abuse.”

Labor spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC said:

“There is nothing as important as having access to a safe and secure home. These refuges will not only provide shelter, they will provide a sense of peace and hope for families in need.”

Trevor Ament CEO of Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT said:

“Anglicare provides advocacy, holistic care, and support to people in need throughout our regions, empowering them to fully participate in their communities.

“That’s exactly what we aim to achieve by building safe accommodation for women and children leaving domestic and family violence.

“When the doors open, we will offer a place where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal and rebuild their lives.”

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.

Applications for the Community War Memorials Fund 2025/26 are open, with $250,000 in funding available for the protection and conservation of war memorials.

The program supports the conservation, repair and protection of local memorials throughout NSW.

This year sees changes to enhance the grant program and deliver greater funding opportunities to organisations seeking to undertake conservation work on war memorials in local communities across NSW.

There is now one grant round per year with a total of $250,000 funding available. The maximum individual grant amount has also increased to $15,000.

Applications can also be submitted under a new category for works to war memorial precincts, as well as the existing categories for condition assessments and physical works.

Recipients of funding from previous rounds of the program include the Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch who received $6,700 for conservation works to two honour rolls at the Colo War Memorial dedicated to those from the local community who served in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial is a valuable part of the Colo community’s commemorative events honouring the service of its veterans, including Anzac Day services.

To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au.

More information on the program and details for how to apply are available here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund.

The 2025/2026 round of the Community War Memorials Fund closes on 25 June 2025.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce that $250,000 is available to ensure the upkeep of memorials throughout our communities.

“Our war memorials are the cornerstones of commemoration on Anzac Day and other important days that honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

“I want to encourage all community groups to apply as it is essential that we protect our local war memorials to ensure future generations continue to remember the efforts of our diggers and the sacrifices made during periods of war and conflict as well as peacekeeping missions.”

Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch Vice President Colin Richards said:

“The Community War Memorials Fund grant enabled the Windsor and District RSL sub-Branch to arrange heritage cleaning and restoration of the plaques that had fallen into disrepair over many years.

“A recent Anzac service held at the memorial with approximately 50 locals in attendance, was well received and many thanked the sub-Branch for taking the time to care for and help restore the memorial.

“The Windsor and District sub-Branch appreciates the allocation of the grant. It adds to our purpose and legacy to never forget those brave men and women whose names are etched in the marble. For the first time in a long time, we can clearly read the names of those veterans who served in the Second World War. Both the First and Second World War plaques are now clean and preserved for the benefit of local families and community members to remember, with thanks to the NSW Government for the funding.”

NSW Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan today announced former Department of Education executive Chloe Read will continue to lead TAFE NSW as the government moves to rebuild the institution after more than a decade of poor planning and neglect under the former Liberal-National government.

Ms Read has been Acting Managing Director of TAFE NSW from January 2025 and will now serve in the role in an ongoing capacity. Ms Read has extensive experience in leadership roles in the NSW Public Service and a track record of driving change and effective implementation of reform.

Most recently, Ms Read worked with government to deliver the NSW VET (Vocational Education and Training) Review and the first NSW Skills Plan in more than 15 years.

Since her appointment to Acting Managing Director, Ms Read has already established strong working relationships with key stakeholders, launched the new TAFE Charter and is overseeing the implementation of the new Operating Model.  

The Minns Labor Government is committed to restoring TAFE NSW to the heart of the VET sector and ensure it continues to deliver education and training to around 400,000 students a year, across 85 industry sectors and more than 250 occupations.

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

“TAFE NSW plays a critical role in delivering a pipeline of skilled workers for industries and communities and the institution will benefit from Ms Read’s strong leadership during a transformational period.

“Ms Read has demonstrated her effectiveness in driving positive change and has an exceptional track record in delivering critical projects in the NSW skills sector.”

Managing Director of TAFE NSW Chloe Read said:

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been chosen to lead TAFE NSW, which is central to equipping the State with the skilled workers it urgently needs.

“TAFE NSW is an amazing place to work and study. Since stepping into the role, I have been blown away by our dedicated teachers and staff and the difference they make every day for students and local communities.

“A strong skills sector is more vital than ever, and along with the fantastic team at TAFE NSW I look forward to preparing students across NSW with the skills needed for the career they want.”

The NSW Government is today launching its official winter vaccines campaign ahead of the peak respiratory virus season this winter.

International experience indicates the possibility of a higher than usual influenza activity season this year.

To ensure people have the essential services they rely on, the Minns Labor Government has worked to get the supply of vaccines out to doctors and pharmacists.

Vaccination rates for vulnerable groups have been declining nationally as well as globally.

In NSW, the influenza vaccine rate for six-month to five-year-olds has declined from 28.3 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024, and for over 65s it was down from 62 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024.

Influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:

• children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
• people aged 65 years and older
• aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
• pregnant women
• those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

People can access flu vaccinations through their pharmacist or local GP.

Last month, the NSW Government announced an investment of $16.6 million to ensure all newborns in NSW can be protected from serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

It means newborns can either receive free protection from RSV through maternal vaccination or immunisation before they leave the hospital.

The NSW Government has invested $15 million to improve vaccine access to vulnerable communities across NSW such as culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Acting Premier of New South Wales Prue Car:

“Today we are urging people across NSW to top up their yearly vaccinations ahead of the worst of the winter flu season.

“Whether you’re a member of a vulnerable group, or you want to protect your family members from sickness, it’s important to stay up to date with your vaccinations.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“We are today urging the community to get vaccinated ahead of the peak respiratory virus season this winter.

“Respiratory viruses such as flu are expected to rise this winter – and we are expecting higher flu activity this season.

“The best way to protect your loved ones is to get vaccinated.

“That’s why we’re offering free flu vaccines for all children aged six months to under five years and people aged 65 years and older, as well as vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women and people with medical risk factors.”