Category: NSW News

The Opposition has called today for the Planning Department’s independent review of all developments that have been approved through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) to be made public in the interests of community confidence in the planning system.
 
583 expressions of interest have been assessed by the HDA since its first meeting in February this year and today’s revelations that a senior planning official used an unauthorised AI tool to collate information before the HDA brings into question the veracity of the information presented to the HDA’s three-person panel.
 
The executive director of panels and housing delivery was present for each HDA meeting and declared a conflict of interest in 11 matters before the HDA, where she was not responsible for the preparation of the reports before the body, in the other 572 instances we are left to understand that this unauthorised AI tool could have been used in the preparation of the reports.
 
From published transcripts of proceedings of the HDA it is clear that the panel does not undertake extensive discussion of each EOI and relies heavily on the information provided to the panel from the prepared reports.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said that the community deserves the highest integrity in their planning system and the Minister needs to make this review public to restore community confidence.
 
“The Minns Labor Government needs to ensure community confidence in our planning system by making the independent review public and publishing the terms of reference of the review,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“The Housing Delivery Authority was established by the Government to offer a streamlined assessment process, but as part of that pathway the Government needs to ensure the highest integrity and transparency to support the decisions that are being made,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow says this isn’t the first instance of error from the HDA and the Government needs to provide adequate resources to the body. 
 
“Since its inception we’ve seen the HDA approve proposals over land that wasn’t controlled by the applicant, misdescribe locations and the approved height of applications,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“This is clear evidence that while the HDA has dealt with nearly 600 expressions of interest, they haven’t been provided with the resources to do their job properly.
 
“While AI tools have an important role to play in the planning system, there needs to be a thorough validation of the inputs into the system and the determinations that are being made and that requires a proper approval process within the Department and should include a public disclosure of the tools being used to give community confidence in the planning system,” Mr Farlow said.

Hunter Sports High has once again stamped its authority on school netball in New South Wales, claiming both the Years 7/8 Girls and Years 9/10 Girls titles for the third consecutive year at the 2025 Netball NSW Schools Cup State Finals. The achievement cements the school as a dominant force and marks one of the most impressive winning streaks in the history of the competition.The double victory capped off two thrilling days of action at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park, where the state’s most talented young netballers showcased their skill, determination and teamwork.

Years 7/8 Girls Winners – Hunter Sports HighLed by captain Tori Daly, the Years 7/8 team secured a hard-fought four-goal win over Westfield Sports High in a physically demanding and fast-paced match.“We won by four and the game was so intense — we all played really nicely,” Daly said.A key moment came in the final stages: “Towards the end when we got excited, we all ran in and jumped together — that was the key moment.”Daly singled out a defensive teammate Sophie MaCallum for her standout performance: “She was absolutely amazing in defence. It was very physical, but she held her own.”Reflecting on the program, the 14-year-old wing attack added: “I’ve been in this team for two years and this competition means a lot — you get to meet new people and play with what you pretend.Netball at Hunter Sports High is so strong — we’re physical, very skilled, and we push every day at training.”Years 9/10 Girls Winners – Hunter Sports HighCaptain Jade Stringer steered the Years 9/10 team to a gripping two-goal victory over Hills Sports High, retaining their title in dramatic fashion.“We won by two and only got up at the end — it was really good,” Stringer said.She highlighted the game’s most decisive moment:  “It was tied, and we had the ball. Our shooter scored a long shot, then Hills brought it down and we thought they’d level it — but we got the intercept and brought it back to finish it.”Stringer said the team’s improved preparation made the difference: “We didn’t start well in our first pool match, so as captain I made sure we had a really good warm-up and lifted our intensity.”On the program’s continued success, she added: “We won our first State title in Year 8 and just kept building. Three years in a row for both divisions — it’s so impressive and shows how strong netball is at Hunter Sports High.”More than 22,000 students took part in this year’s competition, including 1,252 primary school teams (12,520 students) and 984 secondary teams (9,840 students). From these, just eight primary and 32 secondary teams progressed through local carnivals and Regional Finals to earn a coveted place at the State Finals.NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball stars — including Paige Hadley, Tayla Fraser, Casey Adamson and Amy Sligar — were on hand to inspire, support and celebrate the next generation of netballers.NSW Swift Tayla Fraser said she was impressed by the quality and passion on display:  “It’s been excellent. The girls are so talented and the boys bring a little bit of extra flair. It’s been nice seeing kids from all over New South Wales competing. We’ve met kids from 10 hours away, some from two hours. It’s been a good, fun day.”

In the Primary division, St Matthew’s Catholic School (Central West) claimed the State Championship, while St Joseph’s Primary School – Lockhart finished Runners-Up after a remarkable first-ever appearance at the State Finals.“Schools Cup is one of the highlights of the year for Netball NSW,” Executive General Manager Trish Crews said.“It’s an incredible celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit. Every student gets the chance to represent their school, have fun, and be inspired by their peers and elite players. Events like this show that netball is for everyone — any student can pick up a ball, play with friends, and experience the joy of the game.”Matches ran from 9:00am to 2:45pm each day, drawing teachers, families, supporters and alumni who created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere across the entire venue.Schools interested in participating in the 2026 Netball NSW Schools Cup can find more information at netballnsw.com.Results:7/8 Girls Winners: Hunter Sports High SchoolRunners up: Westfields Sports High7/8 BoysWinners: Trinity College – LismoreRunners up: Davidson High School9/10 GirlsWinners: Hunter Sports HighRunners up: The Hills Sports High School9/10 BoysWinners: Hunter Valley Grammar SchoolRunners Up: St Matthew’s Catholic School

The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, was a keen spectator earlier today as he met hundreds of school children participating in Netball NSW’s Schools Cup Finals as well as representatives from the organisation’s professional Suncorp Super Netball Clubs: the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.

With young netballers travelling from all over the state to take part in the Schools Cup Finals in Sydney Olympic Park, the Premier witnessed first-hand the game’s enormous reach and impact. 
He also toured Netball Central, Netball NSW’s home which doubles as a Netball NSW-operated community facility that welcomes almost 400,000 visitors through its doors annually. 
While Netball Central remains one of the most-visited sports venues in Sydney, the elite pathways and professional game has now surpassed the facility’s capacity, especially when it comes to high-performance requirements. 

Netball NSW, with the support of the NSW Government, is currently developing a MasterPlan for Netball Central with the aim of creating a full Centre of Excellence to support elite netballers – most notably the NSW Swifts, GIANTS Netball and NSW Pathway athletes – and to continue to serve the wider community as a treasured multi-purpose facility. 
The outcomes of the MasterPlan would bring netball in line with other Centres of Excellence that the NSW Government has already supported in Sydney across sports clubs in the NRL, Rugby Union, AFL and Cricket. 
With the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney on the horizon, Netball NSW is also working closely with the NSW Government to deliver a Legacy Plan, which seizes on the opportunity the global event will bring and on strategies to further engage with First Nations and multicultural communities.  

Netball NSW Chair Sallianne Faulker thanked Premier Minns for visiting: 
“On behalf of Netball NSW, it was an honour to welcome Premier Minns to our Netball Central home,” she said. 
“Today he was able to see all that is great about netball, by meeting some of our youngest participants, as well as some of the best athletes in the world in the Swifts and GIANTS.
“Netball Central has been, and continues to be, a wonderful community facility and home to our elite teams.  
“However, since it opened its doors, netball has continued to grow and grow, and we are now at a stage where this venue is ready for its next evolution.
“The Premier saw up-close the facilities used by the Swifts and GIANTS, which fall short of what high-performance athletes of their calibre deserve and have access to. 
“No sport has a bigger community impact, or done more to promote women in elite sport, than netball. 
“We are very grateful to the NSW Government for their support in developing our MasterPlan and to Premier Minns for taking the time to come out and listen to our plans.
“With the World Cup coming to Sydney in 2027, we look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to finalise our Netball Central MasterPlan and then continue that joint project to make it a reality.
“They are a vital stakeholder when it comes to delivering our vision for netball as a game and the community we serve.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking action to stop the dangerous and growing trend of teenagers riding on the outside of the Tangara trains, with new safety devices being installed across the fleet to physically prevent people from accessing the back of trains.

The specially designed “nose cone” attachments are angled metal covers that block access to the tread plate between carriages – the area often used by so-called ‘buffer riders’ or ‘train surfers’ who cling to the outside of moving trains for social-media videos.

All 55 Tangara trains will be fitted with the devices by the end of 2026, with around a quarter completed by the end of this year.

The devices are being manufactured in NSW and installed at Sydney Trains’ Mortdale Maintenance Centre.

The rollout follows a successful six-month trial that found zero incidents of buffer riding on the fitted train.

Buffer riding incidents have risen by more than 25 per cent this year, with 275 cases recorded so far in 2025, alongside 588 crew-cab break-ins.

Eleven people have been seriously injured in the past five years, including a 13-year-old boy who fell from a train at Caringbah in September.

New CCTV released today by the NSW Government shows teenagers clinging to the backs of trains in heart-stopping moments of sheer recklessness.

Beyond putting hundreds of young lives at risk, buffer riding and vandalism is having an increasingly negative impact on the on-time running performance of Sydney Trains.

Buffer riders target Tangara trains, with the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line most impacted by disruption.

In 2025, more than 3000 minutes have been lost to buffer riding and vandalism.

Having traditionally been a reliable line, the T4 is the second worst performing line in 2025, with disruption spiking even more during school holidays in line with reported incidents.

There has been 132 incidents of buffer riding so far this year on the T4, which represents almost half of all recorded incidents across the entire Sydney Trains network.

Preventing buffer riding and improving reliability on the T4 is part of the Minns Labor Government’s focus on improving rail reliability in response to the Independent Rail Review. This includes:

• An investment of $458 million in rail maintenance, prioritising critical parts of the network where failures lead to widespread disruption
• Getting the new Mariyung fleet into service which allows for the retirement of the ageing K and V-sets
• The $447 million Tangara Life Extension Program which is upgrading 55 eight-carriage trains

Premier Chris Minns said:

“No viral video or adrenaline rush is worth risking your life for.

“This message isn’t getting through to some people which is why we’re acting to prevent this reckless, life-threatening stupidity.

“This is about safety and common sense. We’re acting to protect lives, support our train crews and make the network safer and more reliable.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The vision of teenagers playing Russian Roulette with 400-tonne trains is heart-in-mouth stuff that will be confronting to watch for all parents.

“We must end the buffer riding trend and the successful trial of the nose cone attachment on Tangaras means we can now get on with the job of physically preventing people stepping on to the tread plate in the first place.

“This is first and foremost a safety issue but if we can stop this happening the pay off will also be improved on-time running. The NSW Government is laser-focused on improving reliability on the Sydney Trains network.

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“We needed a robust and practical engineering solution to deter buffer riding, and we are confident this nose cone provides just that.

“Our staff will install the device on the front and back of the Tangara trains as a priority, and we aim to complete this on 110 cars across our 55 Tangara train sets by mid-2026.

“Reducing the incidence of buffer riding is a firm focus at Sydney Trains to stop people putting their lives at risk and reducing delays for train passengers across the network.”

The Minns Labor Government has celebrated the re-opening of the much-loved Mortlake Ferry following a vital four-month maintenance blitz.

Affectionately known by locals as the ‘Putney Punt’, the free ferry has long been part of daily life for hundreds of residents, visitors and businesses on the Parramatta River.

At the helm for the ferry’s first run back was the first female Mortlake Ferry Master in its near-100-year history, Yvonne Trovato. Yvonne swapped a life in finance for life on the water and a job she loves.

First opened on 16 May 1928, the diesel-powered cable ferry replaced a hand pulled barge which started operating near the Mortlake Ferry in the 19^th century.

The Ferry initially cost £4000 and was built to help Australian Gaslight Company (AGL) workers travel from the north to their workplace in Mortlake.

As the local area grew, so did the capacity of the ferry, from eight cars to eighteen.

Even after the construction of the nearby Ryde Bridge, the Mortlake Ferry has proven to be a favourite for locals who rely on the crossing, with an average of 400 cars using the free service daily.

In the early 1900s, slipping the ferry (winching it out of the water) for repairs required closing streets overnight and using trucks to haul the vessel out during a low spring tide.

By the 1970s, permanent winches and deep concrete piles made this process far more efficient, though the ferry still endures significant wear and requires a full overhaul and repaint every four years.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is thrilled to welcome this iconic ferry back into service.

“The Mortlake Ferry has always been a free service, and that is something we are proud to continue. At a time when every dollar matters, keeping this crossing free helps families, workers and businesses stay connected without extra cost.

“This project is about making sure a cherished part of Sydney’s transport history is ready for the future. These upgrades will improve safety for everyone using the ferry, whether passengers on foot, people behind the wheel or workers operating the vessel.

“The Mortlake Ferry has served the community for generations and is the last of its kind on the Parramatta River. As it approaches its centenary, this work will help preserve its legacy and keep it running well into the future.

“We know that locals and people who work on the Putney Punt hold it dear to their hearts. Transport for NSW has workers who have been associated with it for more than 30 years. One current operator’s dad used to work on the ferry and, as a boy, he used to fish for bream off the back of the punt while his dad worked.

“Now the Punt has its first female Ferry Master and is ready to head into a second century of service.

“We appreciate this closure has impacted daily routines, and we sincerely thank the community for their patience and understanding during this important upgrade.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, said:

“While there are women working on other ferries, after nearly 100 years, the Mortlake Ferry has its first female Ferry Master now. This is an exciting milestone.

“I’d like to congratulate Yvonne on making history – this is a ‘first’ that is now part of the story of this iconic and much-loved vessel.

“Moments like these should be celebrated as we work towards increased gender diversity in non-traditional roles.”

Ferry Master Yvonne Trovato said:

“During Covid, I realised I wanted to spend more time with my parents, children and grandchildren – I was missing so many of their milestones. A friend knew I wanted a change and applied on my behalf without me knowing. It was the best thing she could have done.

“I used to use the ferry and now I operate it. I’m the first female Ferry Master – it’s a privilege, a dream – it’s surreal – sometimes I even impress myself!

“The best thing about the ferry is the people. You get all kinds – doctors, greengrocers, teenagers, teachers – people from every walk of life. And they say they like to see my smiling face at the beginning or end of the day.

“It is just the best job. I love being on the water and being a ferry driver – even in winter. The sunrises, the wildlife – I’d give my job 100 out of ten!

“During the upgrade and temporary closure, I was working at other cable ferries, but nothing beats Mortlake.”

For the first time in almost 50 years, the NSW Government is establishing a new program to equip young, aspiring police officers with the skills, training and experience to join the NSW Police Force.

he 12-month Cadet Traineeship Program will give school leavers and young adults hands-on experience and early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations. 

Cadets will complete 12 months of field-based learning, rotating through four placements, including six months in general duties, two months with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, two months with the detectives unit and two months with the crime prevention unit.

At the end of the 12 months, cadets will obtain a Certificate III in business and be able to apply to undertake further study and training at the Goulburn Police Academy. 

Entry requirements include: 

• The applicant must be 16-years-old to apply, 17-years-old to commence the program.
• School leavers – must have completed year 10.
• Must pass physical, medical and psychometric testing and base line vetting.

The first NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program will begin on 7 April 2026 as a pilot in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.

Cadets will also obtain first aid and aquatic sequence rescue training.

They will wear a distinct uniform to differentiate them from other officers and will not have access to weapons. 

More information can be found here.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild the NSWPF and create safer communities. 

While there is still more to do, that work includes: 

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers.
• Establishing an historic scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF.
• Establishing the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join the NSWPF.
• Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSW Police Force. 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said: 

“Policing is one of the toughest jobs in our community. The stakes are high but the reward – the pride of serving your community and making a real difference is unmatched.

“Just as some choose to go to university or pick up a trade, the Cadet Traineeship Program gives young people the chance to experience life in the NSW Police Force.

“These cadets are not just trainees, they are the next generation of NSW Police officers. 

“While there’s more to do, we’re rebuilding the NSW Police Force into a modern organisation that reflects and protects the community it serves. 

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon said: 

“I’m very happy to be able to announce the commencement of the Cadet Traineeship Program for school leavers and young adults,” Commissioner Lanyon said. 

“Cadets will be exposed to policing culture, values, and expectations, by structured mentorship and support to build confidence and resilience resulting in a smoother transition into the NSWSPF.

“We hope the program will attract diverse talent and encourage school leavers to pursue a career filled with opportunity and purpose.” 

The NSW Government acknowledges new data from the Bureau of Crimes Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) confirming NSW has some of the country’s lowest crime rates.

These statistics, drawn from crime surveys and police statistics, are a positive sign. But we know they are of little comfort for victim survivors of crime and in towns with persistently higher offending.

There is also more work to be done including to eliminate family and domestic violence and sexual assault which continue to occur at unacceptably high rates.

The BOCSAR report shows NSW has among the lowest victimisation rates for murder, robbery, break and enters, physical assault, malicious damage and theft of and from a motor vehicle.

NSW had the country’s lowest murder rate which was nine per cent below the national average between 2021 and 2023.

The rate of robberies reported in NSW was 67 per cent below the national average, between 2021 and 2024.

Reported break and enters were also 30 per cent below the national average between 2022 and 2024.

NSW also had the second lowest rate of physical assault which was 24 per cent below the national average over the same period.

Rates of motor vehicle theft, theft from a motor vehicle and malicious damage were also lower than many jurisdictions.

Malicious damage and theft from a motor vehicle were also 17 and 33 per cent below the national average, respectively.

While NSW consistently records lower rates compared to other jurisdictions, we understand the community’s ongoing safety concerns.

While the drivers of crime are complex and won’t be solved overnight, the NSW Government is working to help keep the community safe.

We have introduced and extended a new bail test for young people accused of repeat car theft and serious break and enter offences and made it harder for adults accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail.

We are also investing $23 million in targeted regional funding to break the cycle of youth offending.

People across NSW are finally getting easier, faster access to their ADHD medication thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s landmark reforms.

Since 1 September, over 2,900 patients with an existing diagnosis for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) have already filled their scripts through a trained GP.

This means people are avoiding long waits, expensive appointments and the barriers that previously delayed treatment for thousands of families.

Under the reforms, 560 GPs across NSW have now completed specialist training and are approved to prescribe ADHD medications. This includes more than 200 GPs located outside metropolitan Sydney.

People can now get the care they need from the clinician who already knows them best, close to home, and without the stress and cost of navigating an overloaded specialist system.

Delays in care can have significant impacts on children’s development, such as poorer academic progress.

These reforms provide more accessible ADHD care across the state as part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to increase access to healthcare regardless of where you live.

GPs can apply to become a continuation prescriber by completing an endorsed training course, with the associated fee covered by NSW Health.

These reforms recognise the holistic care that is best delivered in a general practice setting, providing support that looks at the whole patient and considers their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing needs.

GPs will continue to make specialist referrals, and escalate care, as required to ensure patients are receiving the treatment they need, when and where they need it.

More information is available at ADHD care in general practice, and GPs with any questions are encouraged to contact MOH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au

the Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“More than 2,900 patients have already received their prescriptions through a GP.

“Every script filled by a GP means less waiting and less cost for people with ADHD. These reforms are already making a difference.

“We’re building a health system that works for people, not the other way around. This is about fairness and access. Getting the right care from the right clinician, without unnecessary cost or delay.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased to see such positive feedback from the more than 560 GPs who’ve already completed this training and accreditation.

“Having 2,900 patients visit an accredited GP to get their script for their ADHD medication refilled, means 2,900 people avoiding the lengthy wait times and costs they used to encounter.

“Our reforms create a win-win situation. By allowing patients to get the care they need, often closer to home and at a reasonable cost, we also free up extra capacity in our system to help more people.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“In just a few months we are already seeing the difference these reforms are making. Thousands of people are getting care faster and hundreds of GPs are stepping up to support their communities. This is exactly what good reform looks like.

“We are building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income. No more waiting lists just to refill your script.

“Within just a few months, we’ve seen thousands of people save time and money by getting their scripts at the GP. That’s also thousands of specialist appointments freed up for people who actually need them.”

RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“We can make ADHD care as accessible as it should be. GPs are specialists in family medicine and holistic care who already help patients with ADHD build good habits around exercise and sleep, develop behavioural strategies, and provide patients access any extra support they need.

“Becoming a continuation prescriber for ADHD is a natural extension of the skills we already bring as specialist GPs. ADHD is a common condition, and one your GP can and should manage.

“The training is excellent, straightforward, and free for RACGP member GPs. The Premier, Health Minister, and our colleagues in psychiatry and paediatrics have all provided fantastic support throughout this rollout and as we move towards a nationally consistent program so more Australians can access ADHD care through their GP.”

Three talented NSW acts have received a big career boost after being awarded the inaugural NSW Music Prize, taking home Australia’s newest and most lucrative music awards.

The NSW Music Prize was established by the Minns Labor Government to celebrate and inspire local musicians and strengthen the music industry in the face of increasing competition from overseas artists via streaming platforms.

The winner of the 2025 NSW Music Prize($80,000) for a NSW artist or act whose release has had the most significant impact is SPEED, for their album Only One Mode.

The winner of NSW First Nations Music Prize ($40,000) for a NSW First Nations artists or act who whose release had a significant and meaningful impact is BARKAA, for her EP Big Tidda.

The winner of the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year ($40,000) for an emerging NSW artist or act who has had a groundbreaking year is Ninajirachi.

Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the ceremony was emceed by media personality Brooke Boney and brought together the local music industry for a celebration of the 2025 winners. The event featured special live performances from BARKAA, Shady Nasty and Vv Pete & UTILITY, marking the beginning of what will become a cornerstone fixture in Australia’s annual music calendar. 

The NSW Music Prize is a key commitment in the NSW Government’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, and honours artistic achievement and highlights the vital role music plays in shaping culture and community across the state.

More information on the NSW Music Prize is available on the Sound NSW website.

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“I’m very excited to be awarding the first ever NSW Music Prizes to SPEED, BARKAA and Ninajirachi. These talented and hard-working NSW musicians deserve this recognition.

“These awards are about putting the spotlight on NSW, so fans have a chance to celebrate the local music scene.

“This will give these artists a big career boost, and I also hope it will inspire the next generation to aim high.

“The streaming revolution is pushing more American music to Australian listeners. This award is part of our effort support local musicians to cut through and build a fan base.”

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:

“Sound NSW is proud to deliver the NSW Music Prize, which recognises artistic excellence and the innovation emerging from the state’s music communities.

“This year’s winners and nominees reflect everything we love about music in NSW and the breadth of music being made right here.

“The NSW Music Prize is about elevating local voices, celebrating their achievements and ensuring NSW is a place where they can create, grow and thrive.”

CEO ARIA PPCA, and Sound NSW Advisory Board member Annabelle Herd said:

“The NSW Music Prize shows what happens when we back our artists with meaningful support and a clear pathway forward.

“These prizes open doors to new audiences and real opportunities, and they strengthen the wider ecosystem that makes NSW such an important place for music in Australia and across the world.

“Recognising and elevating talent in this way is essential if we want a vibrant state that allows new music to thrive.”

Co-Founder (Frontier Touring) and Founder (Chugg Music) Michael Chugg AM said:

“The inaugural NSW Music Prize is a great innovation by the State Government and a further commitment to the support of Australian music here and internationally.

“NSW has an amazing amount of young Indie musicians and artists which was very evident at last week’s Aria awards and the shortlist of finalists here.

“The three prize winners being announced today will enable these young budding stars a platform to advance their careers and I wholeheartedly support this fantastic opportunity.”

Winner of the NSW Music Prize SPEED said:

“Yo! SPEED is a hardcore band comprising of lifelong friends and family from Sydney. Respectfully, our culture has never been a game nor a competition. But we are honoured to receive this recognition and see this as acknowledgment of the values cultivated by the passionate souls around us.

“Kids around us have BEEN doing this for a minute and this acknowledgment gives us hope that realness can be recognised and wanted out there in the real world. This culture of ours is a special thing and the only way for you to get this is to show up, listen and learn from the people who make it.

“In 2025, we have a whole new generation of amazing kids all over the country making Sydney & Australian hardcore the sickest it’s ever been. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.”

Winner biographies:

• SPEED and hardcore are two words that have become synonymous on a global scale. The Sydney band have staked claim on the genre through an unwavering ethos built on inclusivity, authenticity and conviction; a nonstop touring schedule across the globe, and records that have reverberated through the underground and beyond.
• BARKAA proved to be the shake-up the Australian music scene needed. Taking her first steps forward as an artist releasing music in 2020, BARKAA served an introduction with impact; an artistic vision and handle on storytelling that was unshakably confident and honest.
• Ninajirachi is raising the flag for a new generation of Australian electronic artists on the international stage, from festival appearances at Lollapalooza, EDC, Laneway and Spilt Milk, to sold out headline shows on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this month, she also took home the Australian Music Prize (AMP) as well as walking away with three awards at last week’s ARIA Awards.

The NSW Government has recognised the state’s top international students, education providers, and innovators at the 2025 NSW International Education Awards.

The awards, now in their twelfth year, celebrate the achievements of international students across NSW and honour the organisations that support their success and wellbeing.

International students help drive research and innovation in NSW—making up 42 per cent of our postgraduate research students and funding over a quarter of all university research in Australia.

Nearly one in seven Australian startups employs a current or former international student.

Two types of awards were presented at a ceremony in Sydney last night.

The NSW International Student of the Year Awards recognise the contributions made by individual students to their education and broader NSW community. The winners across three categories were:

• Schools – Araf Iaj Khan from Bangladesh
  • Araf, a Senior Prefect at Homebush Boys High School, was recognised for his outstanding leadership, volunteering over 160 hours and earning multiple awards for his commitment to inclusion, mentoring, and multicultural advocacy in NSW.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) & English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) – Diego Luna Alamilla from Mexico
  • Diego, a recent Diploma of Counselling graduate from the Australian Learning Group, was recognised for his compassion and leadership in supporting international students and promoting youth inclusion in NSW.
• Higher Education – Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang from China
  • Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang, a medicine student at the University of NSW, was recognised for her leadership in health advocacy and student wellbeing, making NSW safer and more inclusive for international students through her work on over 200 initiatives and public health campaigns.

The NSW International Education Industry Awards recognise programs and initiatives from individuals, education institutions, businesses and community organisations that support international students. The winners across two categories were:

• Innovation in Education – MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard
  • Adopted by more than 70 institutions, the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) simplifies international education by making student data sharing easier and more secure, helping students move between countries and raising the standard for education quality in NSW.
• Industry Excellence – City of Sydney, 2025 Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students
  • The Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students helps new international students feel included and supported by connecting them with Sydney’s multicultural community and essential services.

For more information on the 2025 NSW International Education Awards, please visit Study NSW: www.study.nsw.gov.au/current-students/nsw-international-education-awards/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our education institutions are at the forefront of shaping an innovative and dynamic economy in NSW.

“The exchange of knowledge and skills embodied by these Awards plays an important role in cementing NSW’s position as the innovation powerhouse of Australia.

“I am proud to see NSW leading the way in international education, and I commend all the students, educators, and organisations who are making a real difference to our state’s future.”

NSW International Student of the Year (Higher Education) winner Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang said:

“I first joined student societies simply to meet friends from similar cultural backgrounds who shared the same experiences. But once I became involved, I quickly realised how remarkable my fellow international students are — each person’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and personal growth.

“Getting to know such inspiring individuals motivated me to take a more active role, participating in and eventually leading initiatives that support and showcase international students across NSW.

“Awards like this are important because they bring together passionate student leaders and volunteers from diverse universities and cultures – bright individuals united by the same goal: improving the international student experience.”

Chief Executive Officer, MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard, Charlsey Pearce said:

“Winning this award is a recognition of the collective effort behind MortarCAPS — a passionate team committed to empowering learners and universities to thrive in a global, connected education ecosystem.

“We partner with universities globally to give students ownership of their learning data. This ensures that their educational and professional achievements are recognised seamlessly across borders, supporting pathways to employment, lifelong learning, and migration.

“Awards like this spotlight innovation and collaboration across the international education sector. They encourage bold thinking and shared responsibility for shaping the future of learning.”