Category: NSW News

Sydney is leaning into the global ‘coolcation’ movement with a new campaign that positions the Harbour City as a must-visit winter destination – vibrant, active and distinctly world-class.

The Minns Labor Government’s tourism and events agency Destination NSW will this month launch its Feel the Sydney side of winter campaign, which showcases the Harbour City’s cool weather attractions. 

Recently added to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘coolcation’ refers to the growing trend of travellers seeking cooler climates over traditional summer getaways. Booking.com’s Nine Predictions for Travel in 2025 found that 42 per cent of travellers now prefer cooler destinations, confirming the shift.

Sydney is already ahead of the curve. According to Tourism Research Australia, the city welcomed 8.7 million domestic and international visitors between June and September 2024, injecting more than $6.6 billion into the visitor economy. 

This follows the Minns Labor Government renewed focus on bringing the fun back to Sydney, through relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading and outdoor dining, lifting the concert caps at our major venues and investing in attractions that will boost the state’s visitor economy. 

This year’s winter line-up features a dynamic program of major events, including Vivid Sydney, NRL State of Origin, Sydney Comedy Festival, MJ the Musical, Titanique, British and Irish Lions Tour, and TCS Sydney Marathon, alongside art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (Cerith Wyn

Evans) and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala) and many more. 

Visitors can also explore on foot or by bike, dive into adventure in Western Sydney, discover hidden pockets of the city, learn about the rich history of Aboriginal culture, or dine at acclaimed restaurants – with experiences to match every energy level. 

The campaign will launch across digital media, content partnerships, radio and press in Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 18 April 2025. 

For more inspiration and to plan your Sydney coolcation, visit Sydney.com. 

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:  

“Winter in Sydney is filled with vibrant activity and endless opportunities. Nowhere else in the world, can you go whale-watching during the day along pristine coastal waters, enjoy ground-breaking art, musicals and festivals, attend international sporting events, and be just over an hour from a jaw-dropping mountain range. 

“Whether it’s heading to your favourite cosy restaurant, or soaking up the winter sun on a coastal walk, Sydney shines all year-round as Australia’s only truly global city.  

“We encourage visitors and locals to plan a Sydney ‘coolcation’ when international events, cultural celebrations and natural wonders shine brighter than ever. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, winter is an incredible time to experience Sydney.” 

Fit City Tours Director Matthew Morris said:  

“Sydney in winter is the sweet spot — cooler weather, but not freezing cold, with a calmness that makes it feel like the city is yours to explore. We’re seeing more travellers, especially from interstate and overseas, choosing active experiences that keep them outdoors and let them connect with the city in a unique way.  

“Our Hidden Gems Walking Tour has become a favourite for those wanting to uncover quirky facts and unexpected spots across the CBD, while the Harbour Sights Running Tour is perfect for early risers keen to catch that golden morning light over the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.” 

Lifestyle Charters Charter Manager Sam Higgins said: 

“Winter is no time for slowing down when it comes to exploring Sydney Harbour. We love the change of season and the new opportunities it brings, from private Whale Watching experiences offshore, incredible early winter sunsets over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to intimate nights enjoying the Vivid Sydney light displays.  

“During these months and throughout the year we welcome visitors from all around the world, from the Americas to Europe to Eastern markets including China. Our guests are transfixed by our incredible Harbour and its famous cityscape. Everyone wants the photo, but also a moment to stop, relax and take a breath from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD.” 

Bonza Bike Tours Manager Ivy Youster said: 

“The Bonza Bike Tours team loves winter in Sydney! The cooler weather is ideal for cycling, and the golden afternoon light creates the perfect backdrop for photos. Sydney’s moderate climate is really appealing for international travellers trying to escape the summer heat of the northern hemisphere.  

“Our guided rides remain a top pick for those wanting to see iconic sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while soaking up insider stories and hidden gems. Interestingly, winter attracts a growing number of active retirees and solo travellers, looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace.  We’ve also seen a steady increase in families and small groups booking private tours during the school holidays.” 

School holidays are once again knocking on our door and the Minns Government is supporting a bonanza of activities across our public spaces.

From the three-day Move, Groove, Darling festival with everything from yoga to a Saturday night disco and parkour obstacle courses, to Ghostly Garden tours and nocturnal wildlife walks there’s an activity to suit all families and budgets.

If none of these activities take your fancy, you can always create your own. Take imagination to new heights at Lyne Park’s new seaplane inspired playground in Rose Bay, opt for a family picnic, take a walk around one of our city’s parks, gardens or precincts, or cool down with a dip at Penrith Beach.

Some of the free event highlights this Autumn include:

Darling Harbour

Free activities:

• Move, Groove, Darling Festival: The 3-day event is jam packed with family fun from zen moments in our yoga and meditation zone to high-flying adventures at Parkoursome and a Saturday night Disco. These events are on from 18 to 20 April.
• Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter: Let out your inner mini-yogi with this weekly 30-minute session to help kids connect with their body, breath and mind. On Fridays 10.30am and 11.30am, all year round.
• The Art of Chinese Paper Cutting: Explore the fascinating origins of this ancient folk art, passed down through generations and learn about the intricate techniques while creating your own beautiful paper cut designs at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.  On weekdays from 14 – 24 April 11am – 2pm (excl. public holidays).

The Rocks

Free activities:

• The Rocks Discovery Museum: A free family friendly museum that tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present. Open 10am – 5pm daily, all year round except Good Friday.
• Free Doll House Making at The Rocks Discovery Museum: Children can build their very own charming dollhouse and personalise it to their own style. Monday 14 – Thursday 17 April and Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 April from 11.00am – 1.00pm. Botanic Gardens Sydney and Domain.

Free activities:

• Daily guided walk: Explore the Garden and its remarkable history, botany, and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk. On 10.30am – 12.00pm daily, all year round (by donation).
• Alchemy of a Rainforest Exhibition: Step inside this immersive, sensory exhibition featuring spectacular rare and unusual tropical and subtropical rainforest plants. On 10.00am – 4.00pm daily, all year round (by donation).

In addition to the free events there are also a number of ticketed events on offer.

Ticketed activities:

• Plant Hunger Games: Come meet Arnie, the plant with a ferocious appetite, in this seriously silly outdoor theatre performance in the Gardens. On 15 April, 11.50am or 1:50pm, for $18 per ticket.
• Teatime with your elders: Led by First Nations Educators, children and their guardians will explore the Botanic Gardens to find plants used by the local Gadigal people of Sydney Harbour. On 14 or 21 April, 10.30am to 12:00pm, for $20 per child.
• Sunset Spotlight tour: Wander the garden pathways and visit special biodiversity locations such as the ponds to look for nocturnal animals – some who fly in for the night, others who are long-term residents. On 16 or 23 April, 6.30pm-8.00pm, $20 per child, $42 per adult.
• Wicked and Weird Plants: Join a workshop to create a carnivorous plant habitat, take a guided tour of the Garden and learn about incredible adaptations for survival. On 15 – 17 and 22 – 24 April, 10.30am-12.00pm, $25 per child, supervising adults are free.

Western Sydney Parklands

Ticketed activities:

• Nocturnal wildlife walk: A 1-hour guided wildlife adventure as the sun goes down. Spot animals – from brushtail possums, to microbats, tawny frogmouths, and grey-headed flying-foxes. On April 24 April, 4:45pm or 7pm, $20 per ticket.
• Little Red Riding Hood: Step into this interactive theatre experience and meet beloved characters like the hungry wolf, innocent Red Riding Hood, and the brave huntsman. On 23 April, 10.30am-11.30am, $20 per ticket.
• Park Science: Incredible insects at Lizard Log- Investigate why some bugs are brightly coloured while others blend in, discover how bees see, and learn about the wonders of invertebrates.  On 16 or 22 April, 10am-12pm, $23 per ticket.

Callan Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 20 April, 10.30am, $20 per ticket.
• Park Rangers Incredible Insects: Through bug hunts, nature walks, and hands-on activities like creating an insect hotel and insect-inspired art, your child will gain a deeper understanding of the important role insects play in our ecosystem. On 14 or 24 April, 10am-12pm, $23 per ticket.

Parramatta Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 21 April, 10.30am, $20 per ticket.

Centennial Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 19 April, 10.30am or 1.30pm, $20 per ticket.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve got a jam packed line up of events across Sydney’s public spaces to save your household from boredem this Autumn School Holidays.

“From discos, yoga, parkour and more at the Move, Groove, Darling festival to the art of Chinese paper cutting in the Chinese Garden and park science initiatives across the parklands there’s something for everyone and every budget.

“Our parks, gardens and precincts offer fun, active and imaginative experiences and opportunities all year round and there’s no better time to make the most of them than over the Autumn holiday period before winter weather starts to creep in.”

Carlingford and surrounding communities are set to benefit from a new purpose-built ambulance station following the purchase of a site for the new station on Pennant Hills Road in Carlingford.

The new Carlingford Ambulance Station, part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, will significantly boost frontline emergency care for the Carlingford and Dundas Valley communities.

The new ambulance station will support local NSW Ambulance paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile health care for this growing region now and into the future.

NSW Ambulance identified the area as a high priority location for a new ambulance station following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.

New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the Pennant Hills Road site to ensure it best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.

The next steps for the new Carlingford Ambulance Station include design development and seeking planning approval for the new station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.

Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other government stakeholders to identify potential sites for the new ambulance stations. Sites are now confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra, Prestons, Moss Vale, Bargo, Lisarow, Glendenning, Caves Beach and Carlingford.

The NSW Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The purchase of the site on Pennant Hills Road marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for Carlingford, Dundas Valley and surrounding suburbs.

“The new Carlingford Ambulance Station will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care well into the future.

“The new station will improve network coverage, supporting existing ambulance stations including the ambulance stations at Northmead and Ryde.”

Ten rescue and special operations paramedics will start on the road in regional NSW from tomorrow, following a two-month intensive training program.

The first NSW Ambulance rescue course for 2025 consisted of qualified paramedics already in the service, seeking to extend their qualifications to access and provide care to patients in hazardous environments.

Paramedics learn a range of skills including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, land search and rescue, tactical medicine, swift water operations, confined space rescue, breathing apparatus operations and large animal rescue, at training locations throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, and the Hunter.

The graduates include Intensive Care Paramedic Aaron Nielsen who will move to Singleton to work as a Rescue Paramedic. 

This latest class will be posted across the state at Ambulance Rescue stations located at Rutherford, Singleton, Tamworth, Cowra, Bomaderry and Wagga Wagga as certified Rescue and Special Operations paramedics.    

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:  

“Emergency services play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and these paramedics are now even better equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies.

“Their training ensures they can deliver expert care in some of the most demanding and unpredictable circumstances.” 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:  

“This program is designed to equip paramedics with all the skills necessary to perform their life-saving skills in any environment.

“Completing such a demanding course reflects their commitment to providing the highest standard of care to the communities they serve.” 

Paramedic Aaron Nielsen: 

“It has all been very rewarding, learning new skills and putting them into practice each day. There has been a physically challenging component to each day as well, which has really tested us.

“I look forward to utilising my skillsets as an intensive care and rescue paramedic in a regional community.” 

Healthcare workers in Broken Hill will benefit from new health worker accommodation, with 20 new units at the Broken Hill Health Service now ready to move into.

Broken Hill is the final rural and regional site to be completed under the $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program, marking a significant milestone in the NSW Government’s investment in housing for healthcare workers.

The two-storey accommodation complex houses 10 units on each floor. Each new unit is fully furnished and self-contained featuring a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened veranda.

The new units will assist with the recruitment and retention of health workers to the region, which will be critical, as the Broken Hill Health Service expands with the current upgrade of the Emergency Department and construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit on the hospital campus.

Finishing touches are now being made in readiness for the first residents to move in shortly. The connection of utility services, furnishing, fencing, and landscaping has now been completed to ensure the new units will be fit-for-purpose, comfortable and welcoming for healthcare workers.

The modern accommodation units were manufactured off site and transported to Broken Hill and installed on Morgan Street. FWLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from the NSW Government’s $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.

Due to the success of the Program, the Minns Labor Government has invested an additional $200.1 million into Key Health Worker Accommodation across NSW. As part of this $200.1 million Minns Labor Government program an additional $5.13 million has been invested in accommodation in FWLHD and will deliver more housing for health workers in Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wentworth, Buronga and Dareton.

Locations for this $200.1 million investment were selected based on greatest need across NSW.

This program will also benefit CCLHD, HNELHD, ISLHD, MNCLHD, MLHD, NNSWLHD, SNSWLHD, WNSWLHD, Albury Wodonga and select NSW Ambulance sites.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:   

“We face a no more critical issue than staffing our healthcare facilities across the state, and that challenge is exacerbated in regional, rural and remote communities.

“I’m proud this government has played a part in delivering accommodation for healthcare workers in Broken Hill, and I look forward to keeping the community updated on the additional $5.13 million the Minns Labor Government has invested in health worker housing for Far West Local Health District.

“Working in regional, rural and remote communities is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the provision of accommodation, which is clean, new and close to work is an attractive prospect for people who are thinking about taking up a job in the bush.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“Broken Hill’s new key worker accommodation units are fantastic. They are well designed and include everything a health worker establishing themselves in the local community would need.

“With the current upgrade of the Emergency Department and the construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit, having new key worker accommodation on-site will help attract new, and retain experienced, health workers. This will ensure the local health workforce can continue to provide high-quality health care to Broken Hill and its surrounding communities.

“As we welcome the first workers into the new Broken Hill units, we encourage other clinicians to make the move to the far west to live and work. Broken Hill is a unique city, with a welcoming local community and having more health workers will certainly help to make the city an even better place.”

The Minns Labor Government officially opened a new Safe Haven at Wyong, providing additional free support for people who are experiencing mental health distress in the Central Coast.

The Wyong Safe Haven will offer immediate support for people seeking support for suicidal thoughts or distress, offering a safe and welcoming alternative to emergency departments.

The new service is the second Safe Haven available in the region and will provide support closer to home for people living in the northern part of the Central Coast.

The service will have a strong focus on providing culturally safe care delivered by Aboriginal suicide prevention peer workers, to support the region’s Aboriginal community.

There is no need for an appointment or a medical referral to attend Wyong Safe Haven – everyone is free to drop in. Carers can also access the service for support in helping their loved ones.

Wyong Safe Haven features a peaceful outdoor area and yarning circle, along with a calming space featuring local Aboriginal artwork, creating a sense of connection and belonging for local Aboriginal residents visiting the haven.

People attending will be greeted by a peer worker and can use the space in a way that is most helpful to them at the time. This might be having a cuppa and a yarn or having a quiet moment in the outdoor space. 

Wyong Safe Haven is located on the grounds of Wyong Hospital, near Wyong Mental Health Centre.

The Safe Haven is currently open from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with hours to increase in the coming months. The service is expected to be open five days per week by mid-year.

The Mental Health Line is also available 24/7 on 1800 011 511 to connect people to other mental health services. In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Wyong Safe Haven is part of the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Suicides initiative. 

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“We are committed to increasing suicide prevention supports for regional communities, including those in the Central Coast, as part of our aim to reduce the suicide rate across NSW.

“This will be the 22^nd Safe Haven located on or near hospital grounds across NSW, providing a refuge for anyone struggling with mental health challenges to come and seek help in a quiet, welcoming and non-judgemental space.

“Central Coast residents who are feeling distressed are encouraged to access help at Wyong or Gosford Safe Havens, where they will be able to talk to peer workers who have a lived experience with suicide and recovery.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“In the last year there have been 1,600 presentations to the Safe Haven at Gosford Hospital. This reinforces how important these services are.

“It is great to see the Safe Haven service now available and more easily accessible for everyone living in the northern parts of the Central Coast.

“With Aboriginal identified peer workers among the staff it will help us close the gap by supporting a cultural social-emotional and wellbeing perspective approach to a suicide crisis.”

The next piece of the Barangaroo puzzle is taking shape, with the bespoke fitout transforming the Cutaway at Barangaroo into a premier cultural destination reaching the halfway mark.

With the metro open, and Central Barangaroo given the green light, the new and improved Cutaway is set to be the beating heart of the Barangaroo precinct, providing an iconic space capable of hosting a diverse range of events

The Cutaway will continue to solidify Sydney’s reputation as a world-class destination, attracting visitors to Barangaroo and ensuring our city’s vibrancy for years to come.

This follows the Minns Labor Government renewed focus on bringing the fun back to Sydney, through relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading and outdoor dining, lifting the concert caps at our major venues and investing in attractions that will boost the state’s visitor economy.

The Cutaway first opened in 2015 as a raw concrete shell and is now undergoing an upgrade to become a more usable space. The new design addresses key needs and improve functionality, including an enclosed space, enhanced acoustic capabilities, flexible event spaces and new amenities.

Delivered by FDC Construction & Fitout and designed by FJC Studio, this ambitious project is reshaping the iconic space into an outstanding venue for events, exhibitions, festivals and installations.

Aligned with Barangaroo’s sustainability principles, the project has achieved several remarkable environmental milestones including diverting over 90% of construction waste from landfill, and reduction of carbon emissions by more than 50% as compared with standard benchmarks.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025, with event programming to commence in 2026.

The Cutaway’s transformation will strengthen Barangaroo’s reputation as a cultural hub and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

For more information, visit: NSW Government | The Cutaway

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“There is no doubt that once completed the Cutaway will be the beating heart of the Barangaroo entertainment precinct.

“The new spaces and improved functionality will make the Cutaway a centrepiece for our community, enhancing Barangaroo’s status as a must-visit destination for cultural and event experiences.

“The new and improved Cutaway will continue to solidify Sydney’s reputation as a world-class destination, attracting visitors from across the globe, and ensuring our city’s vibrancy for years to come.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The transformation of the Cutaway represents the next chapter in Sydney’s cultural evolution. This ambitious project not only delivers world-class event spaces but also honours the deep cultural heritage of the site and its enduring connection to Country.

“The completion of this fitout will cement the Cutaway as a dynamic hub for creativity, community, and cultural celebration.”

Project Director FDC Construction & Fitout Emma Thomy said:

“At FDC, we are honoured to be part of the reimagination of the Cutaway into an iconic cultural destination and are excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with the New South Wales Government to create new spaces for Sydney’s thriving arts and culture sector.

“We’re making excellent progress, with half of the fitout now complete, including the internal mezzanine structure, feature cladding underway to the entrance, skylight install nearing completion and fitout works now commencing. The Cutaway is a once in a lifetime project, a masterclass of innovative and sustainable construction set to become a significant cultural landmark for our city.”

Digital Photo Card holders will be given access to an upgraded digital identity document from this month in a major step forward in developing the NSW Government’s Digital ID and Wallet.

Commencing as a pilot project, people will have a more secure way to prove their identity and age, with the upgrade to existing NSW Digital Photo Cards allowing users to share only their required information via a digital ‘handshake’.

The pilot will initially operate in three Service NSW Centres at Auburn, Blacktown and Parramatta from today.

Unlike the existing digital ‘copy’ of a customer’s Photo Card stored inside their Service NSW app, the upgraded card will enable people to digitally share information needed for a transaction via QR code without handing over their phone or identity document.

The upgraded card is the first government verifiable photo credential in Australia to be built to these international standards. The new security standards will make it harder for people to misuse the credentials or steal people’s information by keeping information more secure.

It will allow people to share their ID and qualifications for a range of tasks and transactions safely and conveniently, while ensuring personal information and privacy are better protected.

The pilot project is testing the technology platform that will enable digital credentials such as driver licences, trade qualifications and working with children checks, securely stored inside the new digital wallet on the Service NSW app.

These future upgrades will enable people to selectively disclose their information – for example, only providing confirmation that you are over 18 – preventing unnecessary sharing of personal details and avoiding the need to hand over your physical documents or phone.

In the pilot phase, customers completing eligible transactions will present their upgraded Digital Photo Card at the Service NSW counter, where staff will use a device to verify the credential in real-time. This process will test verification of the card and the digital sharing of information with customer’s consent.

Successful testing of the upgraded credential paves the way for ongoing rollout of the Digital ID and Wallet program which could see a range of licences upgraded to the new credential standard.

Further legislation is required to enable wider use of NSW Digital IDs across government and accredited commercial partners, with consultation planned in late 2025.

The pilot builds on the recent success of online Working with Children Check renewals and the First Aid Certificate trial with St John Ambulance. 

Customers who have an existing NSW Digital Photo Card can voluntarily participate in the pilot, and upgrading their card will only take a matter of minutes.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“This pilot of Australia’s first government-issued digital photo credential is an exciting step towards a digital future for NSW where people have greater control over their digital identity and security.

“It paves the way for more credentials to be rebuilt to the new international security standard, allowing people to only share the information they choose and creating easier access to essential documents, including in an emergency.

“Upgrading this credential means that over time, more than one million NSW residents who have a Photo Card instead of a driver licence can also benefit from these security and privacy enhancements, including people who are vulnerable, elderly, disabled or new migrants.

“The digital photo credential is another way we are building better services for the people of NSW and helping people to better safeguard their identity.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Digital Photo Card will follow international ISO standards allowing it to eventually be used across other states, territories and countries while making it harder for someone else to use credentials and pretend to be you.

“The pilot uplifts security of this primary document and enhances the privacy protections to help keep your identity information and credentials more secure.

“Feedback from the pilot will provide the NSW Government with direction in planning for future statewide rollouts.”

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos and Member for Barwon Roy Butler this week met with opal miners and land holder representatives’ groups from Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

The meetings are the next step in the NSW Government’s consideration of the Independent Review into Small-Scale Titles.

The visit to Lightning Ridge included visits to mining and puddling sites, inspections of residentials, as well as unrehabilitated areas and preserved fields.

It was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss their priorities including the future of opal mining, rehabilitation requirements and compensation amounts.

Reviewer Terry Sheahan AO handed down 81 recommendations as part of his report, including recommendations which:

• balance stakeholder rights and responsibilities
• improve rehabilitation and environmental outcomes
• update cost and compensation structures
• improve understanding and usability of the legislative framework
• modernise the administration of mineral claims.

A working group was established, comprising opal mining industry, landholders, First Nations representatives and other key stakeholders, to consider the recommendations and provide advice to the NSW Government.

In December 2024 they requested additional time to continue their deliberations, which was granted by the Minister.

This week’s meetings are an important step in the formulation of a government response to the Independent Review.

A copy of the Independent Review is available on the NSW Resources website.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“Visiting Lightning Ridge and hearing directly from miners and landholders first-hand is an important next step as we consider our response to the Independent Review.

“We are committed to ensuring that any changes to the framework meet the needs of landholders, small-scale miners and the broader community.

“We are committed to hear concerns from the community as we respond to the report.

“I want to thank Roy Butler for joining me in these meetings and for his continued advocacy on issues in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“I want to thank Minister Houssos for granting the extension to stakeholders providing their response to the Independent Review and coming out to meet with miners and landholders to deal with a very complex issue.

“The aim of the Review and the meetings this week is to formulate a better framework than what we have now.

“I want this resolved quickly, but not at the expense of doing it properly.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $250,000 funding boost for NSW school students that aims to increase the number of Australian Para-athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and challenge stereotypes about people living with disability.

Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program involves year 3-6 students at schools around the state participating in interactive sessions – delivered by Paralympians – that aim to increase awareness and understanding of disability inclusion.

As part of the Program, teachers can access curriculum resources to educate students about the Paralympic movement, the Paralympic Games, and Para-sports.

The Program will also promote Paralympics Australia’s ‘The Start Line’ online platform – a dedicated home for information, guidance and opportunities for Para-athletes to begin or continue their Para-sport journeys.

For further information on Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program and to register your interest visit the Paralympics Australia website. 

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to every citizen, regardless of ability or age, having equal access to participate in sport in NSW.

“Our investment in Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program reflects our determination to break down stereotypes about disability and support students with disability to participate.

“By promoting inclusion and starting conversations about diversity in primary schools, we can empower both students with disability and their peers to make their school communities more inclusive.

“We all witnessed the incredible achievements of NSW para-athletes like Timothy Hodge at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and I look forward to seeing the graduates of this program competing at Brisbane 2032.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program has the power to spark an appreciation of inclusion from an early age.

“When students hear directly from our Paralympians, they don’t just learn about sport — they learn about strength, resilience and that everyone can be amazing.

“By backing this program, we’re helping to change perceptions, ignite the dreams for future Paralympians, and build a more inclusive NSW.”

Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said:

“We are grateful to Minister Kamper and the NSW Government for their generous support of the Paralympics Australia Imagine Education Program.

“This funding will be instrumental in helping our incredible Paralympians get to schools around NSW, where they will share their stories, challenge students’ attitudes towards disability and help create behavioural change.

“This is a program about empowerment through inclusion and diversity. Students will take the lessons they gain back to their families, into their social groups and, eventually, into their adult lives. It will create genuine improvement across society.

“We are excited about the growth of our Imagine Education Program and thrilled that the NSW Government shares our vision, as we look to continue expanding the program across Australia.”