Category: NSW News

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.”

Nurses and midwives across NSW have been celebrated for their compassion and dedication at the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards ceremony held at NSW Parliament House last night.

The Awards highlight the remarkable professional achievements and recognise the incredible contributions nurses and midwives make to the health and wellbeing of people in NSW every day.

Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM and NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross.

The winners of each category are:

• Nurse of the Year: Shivam Dhiman, Registered Nurse, Surgical/Orthopaedic Ward, Fairfield Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Midwife of the Year: Svetlana Ilich, Clinical Midwifery Specialist, Bereavement and Perinatal Service, Blacktown Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District
• Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award : Poumansing Gujraz, Nurse Manager Falls Prevention Co-ordinator, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Jonty Donald, Registered Nurse, Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District
• Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Amy Sutherland, Aboriginal Transitional Nurse Practitioner Rural Generalist, Gilgandra Multipurpose Service, Western NSW Local Healthy District
• Healing Heart Consumer Award: Sarah Driver, Registered Nurse Emergency Department, Bathurst Hospital, Western NSW Local Health District
• Healing Heart Colleague Award: Katherine Martin, Nursing Unit Manager, Inpatient and Rehabilitation Wards, Kempsey District Hospital, Mid North Coast Local Health District\
• Team of the Year: Nursing team, Children’s Ward, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Mid North Coast Local Health District
• Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement: Jacqueline Jagger, Nurse Practitioner, District Cancer Services, Central Coast Local Health District.

For more information, including a full list of finalists visit the NSW Health Website:   www.health.nsw.gov.au/einma

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to congratulate the winners and all 27 finalists for their incredible achievements in providing the very best care to patients, women and families across NSW.

“From metropolitan hospitals to our most remote rural and remote hospitals, nurses and midwives are the heart of the healthcare we provide.

“The Awards not only honour and celebrate the skills, passion and commitment of our finalists but also reflect what nurses and midwives across NSW bring to work every single day.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health system, delivering exceptional care in every setting from maternity to mental health services.

“I congratulate all award recipients for their compassion, expertise and dedication to improving lives across our NSW communities.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are an important reminder and opportunity to reflect and recognise the commitment, innovation and outstanding care being provided to the people of NSW by our nurses and midwives.

“I’m incredibly proud to see nurses and midwives like Amy Sutherland from Gilgandra, our Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year, whose dedication to rural and regional Indigenous healthcare is helping to create pathways for Aboriginal health care professionals.

“I want to congratulate the nominees and winners of this year’s awards and also extend my deepest thanks to all nurses and midwives, who play an integral role in delivering high-quality care to patients, families and communities across the state.“

NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross:

“The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are a celebration of individual achievement and recognition of the critical role nurses and midwives play in shaping the future of healthcare.

“The level of care and expertise nurses and midwives deliver everyday truly makes a difference to the wellbeing and experience of patients across all clinical and community settings.

“The Awards help to shine a light on how nurses and midwives across NSW are continually transforming through innovation, education and research to meet the changing needs of our patients, women, families and communities.” 

Netball NSW has named its 2026 17U State Team — a standout group of emerging athletes whose skill, diversity and hunger for success set a thrilling platform for next year’s National Netball Championships. Selected from one of the state’s most extensive and competitive trial processes, this team showcases the very best of New South Wales’ next generation. General Manager of Performance and Pathways Mardi Aplin said the pathways system continues to deliver outstanding young talent from every corner of the state.“It’s a really exciting team. The 17U selections are always such a huge trial process that began eight weeks ago in the regional areas of New South Wales and then it finally came through to the final phase on the weekend at Netball Central,” Aplin said.“We’ve got some experience returning from the 2025 NSW team, along with some new athletes who have not been in programs before, so it’s a really exciting group to work with.”The 2026 team is a true reflection of netball’s reach and inclusivity, featuring athletes from across metropolitan, regional and multicultural backgrounds in NSW.Aplin highlighted the team’s strength across the court:“Our shooting end is tall, strong and composed. We’ve got some big targets at the back and some really explosive, exciting goal attacks out in front.”“The mid court is a really exciting and dynamic area. There’s lots of variation within that group, with athletes who can feed beautifully and adapt across multiple positions.”“The defence end has a great mix of experience and emerging strength. The combination of height, reach and on-ball pressure gives us some really strong defensive options.”Aplin said the strength of the 17U program is underpinned by Netball NSW’s statewide pathways.“The pathways within Netball NSW are really strong at the moment. Our associations are doing wonderful things, along with the academy programs and our Emerging Teams. We’ve seen most of these athletes across the last 12 to 18 months, and it’s great to see regional players come through and compete with their metropolitan counterparts.”She added that the makeup of this team captures what netball stands for today — inclusiveness, opportunity and aspiration.“Netball is a sport for all — whether you’re from a regional area, a multicultural background or metropolitan Sydney. It’s about putting in the work and seeing role models who show you what’s possible. This team is exactly that. There are lots of little kids out there who will look at these athletes and think, ‘I want to be like them one day.’”The 17U State Team is coached by Baulkham Hills Shire’s Nardia Trevor, who was reappointed as Head Coach of the 17U team following this year’s silver-medal finish at Nationals.Netball NSW 17U State Team

NAME POSITION ASSOCIATION
Akur Malueth Shooter BLACKTOWN CITY
Cheyanne Vaitusi Mid Court BAULKHAM HILLS SHIRE
Evalina Carneiro Defence SUTHERLAND SHIRE
Eve Power Defence NEWCASTLE
Isabella Christian Mid Court ILLAWARRA DISTRICT
Jessica Hugo Mid Court KU-RING-GAI
Marley Dighton Shooter KU-RING-GAI
Ruby Nero Shooter MANLY WARRINGAH
Sophie Lockyer Defence ILLAWARRA DISTRICT
Sophie Perrett Mid court EASTWOOD RYDE
Tilly Sinclair Defence HASTINGS VALLEY
Xanthia Crookes Shooter NORTHERN SUBURBS

The Minns Labor Government is today launching 9 new architect-designed mid-rise apartment building patterns as the next phase of the world leading NSW Housing Pattern Book, which is helping to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the state.

This follows over a decade of inaction to address the lack of housing in NSW under the former Government, which has resulted in Sydney losing twice as many young people as it’s gaining according to a recent NSW Productivity Commission report.  

The mid-rise apartment designs unveiled today range from 3 to 6 storeys and are in addition to the 8 low-rise home patterns released in July offering a broad suite of new housing options for growing communities. The 9 patterns include 4 designs for small lots, 3 designs for large lots and 2 designs for corner lots.

Designed by leading architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the new mid-rise patterns support housing needs at every stage of life.

The patterns will help enable the Minns Labor Government’s Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy that is set to deliver 112,000 homes across New South Wales over the next five years, responding to growing demand for terraces, town houses and mid-rise apartment buildings in well-located areas.  

The patterns are light-filled and cross-ventilated, maximise solar access and have been designed to Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard.

They have been designed to enable ease of construction, while also offering architect designs that are modern, adaptable, cost effective and energy-efficient.

The mid-rise patterns currently require a DA to be submitted to local councils, however the Government has reduced assessment requirements by providing guidance to councils that will allow them to halve the average DA assessment times for these patterns.

New planning laws just passed by the Parliament will enable an even faster and simpler planning pathway in the new year, with the mid-rise pattern book to be prioritised for access to the Government’s newly created targeted assessment pathway.

The patterns will be available at a subsidised introductory price of $1500 for small lot and corner lot designs and $2500 for large lot designs for the first 6 months, which is only one per cent of the typical costs for architect designs.  

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

For more information or to purchase a pattern visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/housing-design/nsw-housing-pattern-book

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The new housing patterns are more than designs for beautiful homes. They are a practical way we are delivering more homes for young people and families across New South Wales.  

“We are leading the world with the use of pattern books to drive the delivery of new high-quality and affordable homes faster by cutting approval delays and making quality designs more accessible.

“These changes are another way we’re working deliver more housing, faster with homes now being approved 15% faster than under the former Government and more homes under construction in NSW than anywhere else in the country.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Mid-rise housing is built into our state’s story – from Art Deco apartments to the red brick walk ups that are a much-loved part of many communities.  

“These new patterns will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW, that not only have character but are affordable and sustainable.

“By streamlining approvals and offering ready-to-build designs, we’re removing barriers and helping more people access quality housing sooner.”

Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin said:

“Mid-rise apartments strike a balance between compact living and community connection. These designs enhance neighbourhood character while meeting the needs of diverse households.

“We have curated designs that are beautiful, functional, and easy to build – helping more people move into homes that suit their lives, sooner.

“Architecture plays a vital role in shaping places people want to live. These designs offer a clear pathway to delivering quality homes that contribute positively to the urban fabric.” 

The Northern Beaches community will benefit from a new ambulance station, with the current Narrabeen Ambulance Station set to be replaced on its existing site.

The new Narrabeen Ambulance Station is one of 30 additional ambulance stations being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.

The new and purpose-built ambulance station will boost frontline health infrastructure and support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care now and into the future for the growing region of Sydney.

The existing site on Pittwater Road was confirmed as the most suitable location to optimise response performance and meet the future emergency health needs of the community following an extensive land search across Dee Why and the Northern Beaches.

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

All sites are evaluated based on size, location, access and traffic considerations, and other factors that may influence development timelines and costs.

Locations for new stations are determined by NSW Ambulance following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software which maps Triple Zero calls.

The new ambulance station will feature internal parking for up to 10 emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, administration, multipurpose and logistics spaces, as well as staff amenities.

The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new station. Construction and operational timeframes will be confirmed as the project progresses. The community will be kept up to date through project planning and delivery.

The local community will continue to have 24/7 ambulance coverage during planning and construction of the new Narrabeen Ambulance Station.

NSW Ambulance is consulting with staff about temporarily relocating crews to Mona Vale Ambulance Station throughout the construction timeframe. Paramedics are a mobile workforce, which can be rapidly deployed across the response network to maintain service levels.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

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

“This is a great outcome for the surrounding communities on the Northern Beaches with the existing site to be completely redeveloped to provide a modern and purpose-built facility to support our hardworking paramedics as they deliver high-quality emergency and mobile medical care.

“More ambulance stations, more paramedics, faster response times and better patient outcomes – a win for our community and a win for our hard-working paramedics.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan:

“Our local paramedics need the right resources to do their job. This announcement of a brand new station for Narrabeen is a big step in the right direction.

“A new ambulance station for the Northern Beaches is desperately needed and has been a long time coming. I want to thank local NSW Ambulance staff for their patience. For them, it will mean a modern fit-for-purpose workplace. For Northern Beaches residents, it means a better resourced local ambulance service to deliver and provide access to healthcare when we need it most.

“I look forward to seeing the new station up and running as soon as possible.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby:

“Narrabeen Ambulance Station and the need for Pittwater to retain ambulance services with Intensive Care Paramedics, was one of the first issues I raised with the Health Minister. This is particularly important as we are located on a peninsula, limiting our ability to leverage the broader network. This is a very welcome announcement, which will save lives. Our ambulance workers deserve safe and fit-for-purpose stations, and investment in Narrabeen is long-overdue. I’ll advocate for works to commence as soon as possible.”

Chief Executive NSW Ambulance Dominic Morgan:

“This new purpose-built ambulance station at Narrabeen will ensure our paramedics have the modern facilities to support, the delivery of world-class emergency care to the Northern Beaches community.

“A new Narrabeen station will provide a comfortable, functional and modern environment for our dedicated staff, which we know makes a real difference to morale and wellbeing.”

Following the successful rollout of machine reading technology 12 months ago, BreastScreen NSW is expanding use to include mammography images of all first-time screeners.

The technology – initially used to read selected images from women aged 50-59 – has significantly reduced call backs for further tests, reducing stress for women, without compromising cancer detection rates. 

By the end of 2025, it’s predicted that as a direct result of the technology’s accuracy, around 500, or 20 per cent fewer women, will be asked to return for additional tests, which can include a breast ultrasound and a needle biopsy.

Since the technology was introduced, it’s read more than 19,000 images and detected more than 130 cancers.  

BreastScreen NSW was Australia’s first population-based screening program to introduce the cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.

At least one radiologist continues to read every woman’s image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.  

The technology is ensuring BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world class service, while meeting the needs of NSW’s growing population.   

Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology prior to its implementation.

The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates. 

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40. 

Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival, it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy. 

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.

 For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.    

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“One year after we announced the introduction of this cutting-edge technology across BreastScreen NSW, it’s fantastic to see it delivering excellent results.

“By expanding the program, we are making sure more women have access to this life-saving technology.

“Reducing the devastating impact of breast cancer on women in NSW is a priority and I’d like to thank the BreastScreen NSW team for their world-leading work.” 

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM 

“We did the groundwork to ensure this innovative technology would benefit women and radiologists. The results so far have exceeded our expectations.” 

“Fewer women are now experiencing stress and anxiety as they aren’t being called back for testing. At the same time we are ensuring care and support is being given to the women who need it most.”  

“Machine reading technology is ensuring women have the best chance of detecting and treating cancer in its earliest stages through a breast screen. I urge all women to take this disease seriously and book in your breast screen today.”  

Donna, diagnosed with breast cancer aged 60 years 

“Breast cancer has been a big part of my family’s story. My younger sister was diagnosed in 2006 and my elder sister was diagnosed in 2012. Given our family history I made sure to have regular breast screens. And it’s a good thing I did because in 2016 it was my turn.” 

“Fortunately my cancer was caught through a breast screen early and now I tell everyone if the BreastScreen NSW bus comes to your area go get checked. You don’t have to go alone take a friend. The first time can be a bit of a shock but after that it just becomes routine something you do for your health and your life.” 

“The earlier cancer is found the better. The longer you leave it the harder it becomes for doctors, surgeons and for yourself. If you’re hesitating I’ll say what I tell my friends ’Come on I’ll go with you.’ Because it’s not just about you it’s about the people who love you. So please go with a friend book your breast screen.”