Jenny Aitchison Re-announcing 957 days later

The Albanese Labor Government and the Minns Labor Government today attempted to re-sell a project first announced in 2023, fooling no one with a glossy re-announcement of the $100 million safety upgrades to Bells Line of Road.
 
This project was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet before the last state election. NSW Labor was sworn in on 5 April 2023. That is 957 days ago. Over two and half years. And Labor has nothing to show for it.
 
Jenny Aitchison likes to say she and Labor is getting on with the job. But what happened here? Is this another example of the Minns Labor Government’s tunnel vision and lack of ambition for infrastructure?
 
NSW is the only state in Australia without a dedicated Infrastructure Minister. Maybe that is her excuse. No minister. No plan. No progress. Just photos and recycled press releases.
 
And now Jenny Aitchison fronts the media in a joint announcement with (ironically) Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, who fronted up last time this was announced in 2023 hoping that no one notices that nothing has happened in two and half years.
 
While roads remain unsafe, and regional communities wait for real work, Labor is focused on spin instead of delivery.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said regional families and freight operators have been waiting for promises to turn into projects.
 
“Over two and half years on, all Labor has done is take another photo. This re-announcement sums up just how little they have achieved,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward this should embarrass the local Labor member for the Blue Mountains. 
 
“Announcing the same money twice is not delivery. It is desperation. Our communities deserve more than recycled headlines and excuses,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said Labor leaves regional NSW behind once again.
 
They talk big, then pack up and go home. If they are so busy getting on with it, why has nothing happened since 2023?” Mr Layzell said.
 
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said today’s stunt is an insult to every commuter stuck on dangerous roads.
 
“Labor can re-announce this as much as they want, but until shovels hit the ground, it is just more talk and another example of the NSW Labor Government getting on with nothing,” Mr Toole said.
 
The Minns Labor Government delivers excuses and reruns. It is clear who is getting on with it, and it is not Jenny Aitchison and or Labor.

Ding dong, deadline calling. Will labor answer or keep hiding behind the door?

Today is the day the Minns Labor Government must finally produce the Moore Park golf course business case and annexures. The deadline is 4pm. This is their final chance to comply with a lawful order of the NSW Legislative Council after months of obfuscation and defying parliamentary orders. Time is up.
 
Chris Minns said that under his government “integrity would be a verb”, but the only action they take is to hide from scrutiny and transparency. NSW deserves better.
 
If Labor cannot meet a simple order to produce documents, how can anyone trust them to build anything or manage billions in taxpayer funds?
 
At 9am, Chris Minns will be talking about Metro West, a project built by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. Instead of spinning theories and dodging scrutiny, perhaps he can explain whether Labor will meet today’s deadline or keep hiding the truth.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said it’s time for Labor to live up to the standards they preach.
 
“If the Minns Labor Government fails to produce the documents by 4pm, then the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe will be required to front the Parliament tomorrow and explain why. And if she fails again, the House has the power to suspend her for contempt. It doesn’t get more serious than this,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
In the last Labor Government, Treasurer Michael Egan was suspended for refusing to hand over documents, we are now seeing the same playbook. The difference is that this time it is Penny Sharpe on the line.
 
Today Labor has a choice. Deliver the documents or face the consequences. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.

Coward labor comrades duck the division on workers comp

Workers compensation in NSW needs reform, but the Minns Labor Government is trying to make it even harder for seriously injured workers to get the help they need. While mental health services across the state are stretched thin, Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey are pushing changes that will restrict access to help for serious psychological injury.
 
These changes will not prevent injuries, and they will not support frontline workers. They will simply make it harder for seriously injured people to access the care they need to recover.
 
Labor promised the world before the election. Labor MPs and MLCs signed a pledge to remove section 39 (the whole personal impairment threshold [WPI] for ongoing support) completely and protect injured workers. The signatories included 19 current ministers and the Minister who would normally have portfolio responsibility for these reforms, the Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis. However, as this is about the mismanagement of the budget, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is in charge. The Labor MPs and MLCs shook hands and smiled for cameras before the election , but that promise was tossed aside in the early hours of this morning.
 
Debate on the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 began at 2:35pm yesterday and dragged on until almost 5am today. When it came time to call a division on the WPI clauses, Labor MPs refused. They would not have their names recorded. They knew that their vote betrayed the very frontline workers they claimed to stand up for. They also knew it betrayed the unions who fund their campaigns.
 
Their behaviour exposed what really goes on in this Government, when issues hit too close to home. Their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
 
What makes it worse is the Premier’s refusal to face Sydney media today to explain what is going on with his Government in the Legislative Council. Instead of fronting up and explaining why his Government is trying to sell out injured workers, he is running off down the South Coast to prop up a Labor MP who has delivered nothing for her community.
 
Labor’s cowardice sits on top of one of the most shameful parliamentary weeks in years. The Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe was formally censured yesterday for failing to comply with multiple orders for papers relating to the Premier’s secret Moore Park deal with Clover Moore and Bob Carr. If the Government refuses to comply, the Legislative Council retains the option of suspending her from the Parliament.
 
This is the transparency standard of the Minns Labor Government. It is a Government that blocks scrutiny, filibusters debate and runs from accountability every chance it gets.
 
The Minns Labor Government has failed the transparency test and now the basic decency test.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said what we have seen from Labor is a disgrace, breaking their election promise while also hiding from their record.
 
“When the moment came for a division, they refused. If you cannot put your name to a vote that affects injured workers across NSW, you are in the wrong job,” Mr Tudehope said.

Future Hawks to spread wings at Kennedy Community Centre

Dingley Village in Melbourne’s south-east is home to new, world-class sporting facilities with the opening of the Kennedy Community Centre.

Opened today, the first stage of the sporting complex includes elite facilities for south-east Melbourne’s AFLW athletes and aspiring girls and boys participating in pathway football programs.

The complex also includes the Harris High Performance Centre, which has a fully flood-lit oval, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities and unisex change rooms.

The new three-level pavilion features covered seating, doctors’ rooms, player rooms, coaching boxes, radio and TV broadcast boxes, areas for umpires and timekeepers, change rooms and community areas – ensuring it’s immediately fit for spectator sports at the highest levels. 

The complex also features a function centre including a servery area, kitchen, storage facilities, public amenities, first aid area and capacity for 140 guests. 

Stage 1 of the Kennedy Community Centre has been funded through all three levels of government, with the Australian Government contributing $15 million to construction. 

The $113 million complex was also funded through the Victorian Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and Hawthorn Football Club.

Construction of the Kennedy Community Centre supported 500 jobs and will create 10 ongoing roles across the Football Club and wider Dingley Village community to service the demand generated by these new world-class facilities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“To all of you who have worked so hard to deliver this project, you have done something extraordinary.

“Our Government is proud to have supported the work of the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government and the Kingston City Council. 

“I am so pleased this is a place that belongs to the community because that is what sport in Australia is all about – bringing people together and building that sense of community.” 

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan:

“Victoria is the home of the AFL, and this is a landmark moment for Hawthorn Football Club and for women’s sport in Victoria. These elite facilities will give the Hawks a home to train, play, and inspire the next generation of players for many years to come.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Hawk’s new nest in Dingley Village won’t just be the administrative base for the AFLW and AFLM teams, but a key match day ground for the women’s Hawks, shared green space and facilities for the local community. 

“Our co-investment ensures the budding superstars of tomorrow can lace up their first set of footy boots at quality facilities, close to home and kick goals for years to come.”

Minister Housing, Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil:

“As a proud Melburnian and Hawks fan this is a tremendous project that will help develop a new generation of AFL and AFLW stars.”

Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus:

“The kids, families and the wider community in my electorate of Isaacs love their AFL footy. Having these new facilities in their own backyard will make a real difference for so many locals.”

Beyond the Court Roadshow Inspires Goulburn Netball Community

Netball NSW’s Beyond the Court Roadshow wrapped up in Goulburn on Saturday after two days of school visits, leadership development, community engagement and workshops designed to strengthen and celebrate the region’s netball community.

Held from 14–15 November, the Roadshow brought GIANTS Netball athletes Amy Sligar and Erin O’Brien to town, joined by senior Netball NSW executives and Board Members, including Chair Sallianne Faulkner.
The program connected directly with local students, coaches, umpires, volunteers and young leaders, delivering education, inspiration, and practical support for those who power the sport in regional NSW.

School students celebrate GIANTS Netball in Goulburn.

On Friday, the GIANTS netball athletes visited Mulwaree High School, leading Q&A sessions with students before heading to the Goulburn Netball Courts for a community meet-and-greet attended by fans of all ages.

The evening concluded with the Youth Ambassador Program at the Goulburn Soldiers Club, where young local leaders took part in leadership activities, discussions, and mentoring with the athletes and the newly elected Chair of the inaugural Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group, Sofia Novak.

Netball NSW Executive General Manager – Community, Trish Crews, said the Roadshow reflected Netball NSW’s commitment to being present, accessible and connected with communities across the state.

Goulburn has embraced the Roadshow with enthusiasm and we’ve been thrilled to see so many young athletes, volunteers and families engage with the program.

Beyond the Court is about supporting every part of the netball ecosystem — not just the players on court, but the coaches, umpires, administrators and emerging leaders who make regional netball strong.

We’re committed to continuing to invest in communities like Goulburn, where the passion for our sport is as vibrant as ever.”

Saturday saw many community members take part in full-day Beyond the Court Workshops at Veolia Arena, featuring sessions for coaches, umpires, administrators and volunteers delivered by Netball NSW facilitators and executives.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Nina Dillon welcomed the initiative and praised its impact on local participation.

We are proud to host the Netball NSW Regional Roadshow, showcasing the passion and talent that drives our regional sporting community. Events like this strengthen our local connections and inspire the next generation of athletes.”

The 2025 Roadshow forms part of Netball NSW’s broader commitment to strengthening regional pathways, developing future leaders, and celebrating the volunteers who underpin the sport across NSW.

Greens’ Rattenbury to Canberra Liberals: Ditching climate action a path to failure

As the Liberal Party flounders headfirst into electoral oblivion with their announcement to ditch the goal of reaching net-zero emissions to protect our planet, the Canberra Liberals have been mincing words on their stance.

Leader of the ACT Greens and Greens Climate Spokesperson Shane Rattenbury said the Canberra Liberals have a lot to answer for if they want to be taken seriously by Canberrans looking for real climate leadership.

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens:

“Today’s announcement from the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party is a bad omen for the direction of the Canberra Liberals—because the fact of the matter is that the climate-sceptic wing in their federal party are feeling emboldened by Donald Trump’s cowboy approach to international climate politics, and they want to replicate it right here in Australia.

“Sussan Ley’s decision to ditch a policy of net-zero emissions in Australia isn’t just a policy for the Federal Liberals, it’s a stance we’ve seen the Canberra Liberals refuse to condemn—with their new leader and their new candidate for the Senate failing to rule out the idea of abandoning net-zero policies in this city.

“To put it bluntly, this is criminal. For a party wondering why they’re not being taken seriously by the electorate in Canberra, they need to have a serious look at their refusal to acknowledge the real world financial, environmental and social impacts of climate change on people who live in Canberra and around the world. 

“Last election, the Canberra Liberals went to the electorate with a policy of ditching the Greens ban on fossil fuel gas connections and ditching the Greens phase-out of fossil-fuel cars. The question is: will they continue to resist the renewable energy revolution?

“At the same time, local Labor went to the election with no new climate policies and over the past year, we’ve seen the consequences—with Canberra rolling backwards on our emissions reduction targets – targets the Greens fought hard to secure and deliver.

“Right now, we need real accountability to the actions of this government, and we need real climate action. And it seems that it will be up to the Greens to do this job while the Labor Party stalls and the Liberals flounder.

Community singers expected to flock to Last Christmas mashup in Wheeler Place

Registrations are now open for Newcastle’s favourite festive community chorus, with Civic Theatre’s One Song Sing event returning to Wheeler Place next month.

This will be the third year Novocastrians have been given an hour to learn a special Christmas song before joining together in a one-off public pop-up performance led by community music group The Sum of the Parts.

Registrations are now open for Newcastle’s favourite festive community chorus, with Civic Theatre’s One Song Sing event returning to Wheeler Place next month. This will be the third year Novocastrians have been given an hour to learn a special Christmas song before joining together in a one-off public pop-up performance led by community music group The Sum of the Parts. Following two hugely successful renditions of Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic ‘How to Make Gravy’, this year’s mashup will blend the nostalgia of Wham’s holiday hit ‘Last Christmas’ with the modern pop song ‘Birds of a Feather’ by Billie Eilish. Executive Manager Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace said the event is a way of celebrating the Christmas season with the community. “One Song Sing is our way of saying thank you to the community for their support of the theatre during the past year,” Ms Wallace said. “We look forward to welcoming the community back to Wheeler Place on 22 December for another wonderful celebration in the heart of the Civic precinct.” Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the event offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to share in the fun of a festive community sing-along.  "One Song Sing has attracted around 3,000 combined registrations during the past two years and has become a festive favourite, uniting locals in a relaxed, joyful singing experience that connects and celebrates community spirit,” Cr Barrie said. The free sing-along will start from 5.30pm on Monday 22 December. Visit the Civic Theatre website to register for the event.   No prior singing experience is required as the event is inclusive, welcoming and designed to make everyone feel part of something special.  The performance will also be recorded and shared online, allowing the wider community and those who are unable to make it on the day to experience the festive spirit. A link to last year’s performance can be found hereMore than 1,000 community members joined voices to take part in Civic Theatre’s One Song Sing event in Wheeler Place last year.

Following two hugely successful renditions of Paul Kelly’s Christmas classic ‘How to Make Gravy’, this year’s mashup will blend the nostalgia of Wham’s holiday hit ‘Last Christmas’ with the modern pop song ‘Birds of a Feather’ by Billie Eilish.

Executive Manager Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace said the event is a way of celebrating the Christmas season with the community.

“One Song Sing is our way of saying thank you to the community for their support of the theatre during the past year,” Ms Wallace said.

“We look forward to welcoming the community back to Wheeler Place on 22 December for another wonderful celebration in the heart of the Civic precinct.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the event offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to share in the fun of a festive community sing-along. 

“One Song Sing has attracted around 3,000 combined registrations during the past two years and has become a festive favourite, uniting locals in a relaxed, joyful singing experience that connects and celebrates community spirit,” Cr Barrie said.

The free sing-along will start from 5.30pm on Monday 22 December. Visit the Civic Theatre website to register for the event.  

No prior singing experience is required as the event is inclusive, welcoming and designed to make everyone feel part of something special. 

The performance will also be recorded and shared online, allowing the wider community and those who are unable to make it on the day to experience the festive spirit. A link to last year’s performance can be found here.

New social homes to support growing cohort of homeless older women

More older women in Southwest Sydney will have a safe, secure place to live as the NSW and Commonwealth governments partner together to build more social homes for seniors.

Women aged 55 and over are the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness, creating urgent need for more social homes for seniors across New South Wales.

Two renewal projects in Rosemeadow and Airds-Bradbury are delivering more than 100 new social homes for seniors, most of which will be allocated to women, including:

  • 45 in Rosemeadow
  • 31 in Bradbury
  • Another 31 in Airds on track for completion by end of year.

In Rosemeadow, the NSW and Federal Governments have delivered 45 beautiful, modern homes for people aged 55 and over with lift access and tailored design to support independent living.

The Rosemeadow Estate Redevelopment has transformed a 1970s public housing estate into 230 new homes within a vibrant, mixed-tenure community, with potential for more homes now being investigated.

The Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, delivered by the NSW Government, is one of the state’s largest public housing redevelopments, building more than 2,100 modern homes in the Campbelltown area.

The project is transforming a 200-hectare site into a thriving, mixed community with at least 30 per cent social housing, including these new homes for older residents.

So far, 165 new social homes and 843 private lots have been completed, alongside new community spaces, parks and playing fields. With several stages still to come, including another 31 seniors’ homes by the end of 2025, the renewal is expected to be complete by 2030.

These developments are an example of what is possible under the Minns Labor Government’s record-breaking $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is delivering:

  • 8,400 new public homes
  • 21,000 affordable and market homes
  • Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties. 

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Older women are becoming the leading demographic of people most at risk of homelessness, whether it’s because of relationship breakdowns, the superannuation gap, or any number of other life challenges.

“Most of them are experiencing first-time homelessness at age 60, 70 or even older – it comes as a big shock and many women don’t know where to turn.

“That’s why this type of housing is so important. Everyone deserves to age with dignity, safety and independence, and these new homes are making that possible for more people in Southwest Sydney.”

Federal Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander said:

“These new homes for seniors are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the Commonwealth and NSW Governments work together to deliver real outcomes for our community.

“The renewal projects in Rosemeadow and Airds-Bradbury are transforming our suburbs for the better, giving seniors the opportunity to stay close to family, friends and local services.

“This is exactly the kind of investment that builds a fairer, stronger future for Macarthur.”

State Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness, and that’s exactly who we need to be supporting with secure, long-term housing.

“These are high-quality, modern homes close to shops and services, giving seniors in Southwest Sydney the security and comfort they deserve.”

And the homeless men?

Historic regional public preschool build officially underway

The largest public preschool construction program in NSW history is now underway in regional NSW, with work set to commence on more than 20 new public preschools before the end of 2025.

This work has been marked with construction beginning on a new public preschool at Bomaderry Public School – one of 10 new public preschools in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven, and 49 across regional NSW, set to open by early 2027.

The historic building program is a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government to open 100 public preschools across NSW, improving access to affordable, high quality early education for families in areas where it is most needed.

The $769 million investment will double the number of public preschools in NSW, making it the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW history.

All public preschools will be co-located with local public schools, supporting children’s transition into kindergarten and easing pick-up and drop-off for parents with older students at the same school.

The preschools will offer high-quality early education within state-of-the-art learning facilities which will include landscaped outdoor playground areas.

Once complete they will provide places for up to 9,000 additional children to access high quality early education in their local community.

The program to build 100 new public preschools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic investment in early learning, ensuring that every child across NSW has the best possible start to their education. The investment also includes:

  • $100 million to help community preschools provide more hours and welcome more children
  • $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools
  • $200 million to support Aboriginal-led early learning
  • $20 million for capital works at early childhood services in areas of need
  • More than $29 million for scholarships to increase the number of early childhood workers.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“Providing the best possible start for our children is one of the most important investments any government can make which is why we’re building 100 new public preschools including 49 in regional NSW.

“Families in rural and regional NSW have told us they are struggling to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. That’s exactly what these new public preschools in the regions will help fix – like this one right here in Bomaderry.

“The former government didn’t build a single public preschool in twelve years. We’re building one hundred in our first term, that are co-located with public schools so parents can also avoid the double drop off.”

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a significant milestone for the region, with construction beginning on 10 new public preschools across the Illawarra and South Coast.

“These new preschools will ensure families in the region have access to world-class early education closer to home.

“This is a historic investment that will make a huge difference for local communities, and we are proud to see it roll out.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“From Bomaderry to Griffith and Wollongbar to Tamworth, we are providing more children in the regions with the best possible start to their education.

“We know quality early learning makes all the difference to a child’s success in school. It really is life changing.

“That is why the Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment, because we strongly believe all NSW children should have access to high-quality early education.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I’m thrilled to be marking the start of construction on Bomaderry’s new fee-free public preschool. It will be such an important resource for our families.

“Bomaderry families have told me that we need more quality early learning options and I’m delighted that construction is underway and the school will soon be welcoming its first class of preschoolers.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see construction starting on these new preschools across the South Coast. This was a key commitment we took to the election, and we’re delivering on that promise for local families.

“The Minns Government understands how vital early education is to a child’s development and to support local families. The preschools we are building at Greenwell Point, Sanctuary Point, and the brand-new Worrigee Public School will give more children the best possible start to their education, right in the heart of their local community.

“When we committed to delivering public preschools on school grounds, we meant it, and now we’re turning that commitment into concrete reality. It’s exciting to see construction underway and to know that families across the South Coast will soon benefit from more accessible, public early education.”

Bomaderry Public School Principal Dionne Hanbidge said:

“We have been advocating for an onsite preschool because we truly understand how much our children and families will benefit from this local early learning opportunity.

“Having a public preschool right here on our school grounds is pretty close to a dream come true, as it will not only provide high-quality early education but also create a seamless transition for our children as they move into kindergarten. Our kindergarteners will continue to learn and thrive from day 1!

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the next generation of learners into a custom built, high quality facility, right here at Bomaderry Public School—supporting them to achieve their goals from the very start.”

Regional public preschool works commencing construction before the end of 2025:

  • Barrack Heights Public Preschool
  • Berkeley West Public Preschool
  • Bomaderry Public Preschool
  • Cringila Public Preschool
  • Greenwell Point Public Preschool
  • Hayes Park Public Preschool
  • Lake Heights Public Preschool
  • Sanctuary Point Public Preschool
  • Queanbeyan South Public Preschool
  • Hillvue Public Preschool
  • Moorland Public Preschool
  • Tacking Point Public Preschool
  • Warialda Public Preschool
  • Wollongbar Public Preschool
  • Booragul Public Preschool
  • Nulkaba Public Preschool
  • Tenambit Public Preschool
  • Tuggerawong Public Preschool
  • Weston Public Preschool
  • Deniliquin South Public Preschool
  • Hanwood Public Preschool
  • New Bourke Public School Early Years Transition Centre

Back to the future: Kyogle MPS celebrates 100 years of caring for community

Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is celebrating 100 years of service with a Community Open Day highlighting the hospital’s proud history of delivering care and support to the Northern NSW region.

The community open day, being held on Saturday 15 November 2025, will reflect on the hospital’s past achievements and ongoing commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, since admitting its first patient on 2 May 1925.

Kyogle MPS, co-located alongside a private GP practice, today provides emergency, general medical, and aged care services as part of a flexible model of care tailored to the local community. It includes provision for 28 aged care residents who live on site.

Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, more than 5,400 people attended the centre’s Emergency Department, with more than 380 patients admitted and almost 3,600 non-admitted patient service events provided.

During the community event, the original bright yellow 1938 Dodge Ambulance will be on display, a loan from Temora Ambulance Museum. The ambulance has been transported back to Kyogle, thanks to a community fundraising drive spearheaded by Kyogle Museum.

Additionally, a display of a 1925 hospital ward featuring hospital memorabilia and artefacts collected by Kyogle and Urbenville museums will be set up helping attendees to transport back in time.

The event will also feature NSW Health services ranging from BreastScreen NSW to Aboriginal healthcare, health promotion, snakebite treatment, dementia, diabetes treatment and more.

Aged care residents, including three centenarians who call Kyogle MPS home, will join in festivities.

Kyogle hospital has long been supported by the community, particularly the volunteers of Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary, whose fundraising efforts have benefitted many patients and staff over the years.

Kyogle MPS is one of four Multi-Purpose Service sites in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“Since its establishment, the Kyogle MPS has played a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in the Northern Rivers. 

“The service is an outstanding example of the success that can be achieved when health professionals work collaboratively with communities to find the best solutions for their health care needs.

“This is an amazing milestone, and I am pleased to be able to celebrate it with the community, staff and volunteers who have made this service the amazing place it is today and will be for the next 100 years too.”

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey:

“Community spirit is what makes Kyogle such a great place, and the same goes for our team at the Kyogle MPS, who provide exceptional care for our patients and residents every day.

“I am thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with our staff and the community, which reflects not only our current health services, but generations of healthcare professionals who have come before us.

“I’d like to pay special thanks to the many volunteers at Kyogle Museum, Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary and MPS staff who have worked tirelessly towards making this event so special.”

former chairman of Kyogle Health Services Planning and Steering Committee Tom Fitzgerald:

“Community spirit was the driving force behind the opening of Kyogle Memorial Hospital some 100 years ago and again in the early 2000’s in our fight to ensure the MPS service remained in town.

“Community spirit remains as strong as ever today, with volunteers from Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary, Kyogle Museum and others continuing to raise funds for the healthcare of our residents.

“Kyogle MPS is well-loved and supported by our community, and we appreciate the acute care and aged care services we have so close to home, as well as the neighbouring McKid Medical Service whose GPs serve the community so well.”