Gas tax needed to shield households from war-driven gas prices

Australian Greens spokesperson for resources, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“The last time the world saw a major conflict in 2022, the global price of gas surged to record highs. 

“Because our gas system is still rigged in favour of massive exporters, increases in the global market price are also dumped straight onto households back home.

“Australia doesn’t have a gas shortage. We have an export problem.

“We export such enormous volumes of gas that if the government had implemented a 25 per cent export tax when it was first proposed at the end of last year, Australians would already have collected billions in extra revenue.

“With prices likely to surge again due to the illegal war in the Middle East, and with a cost-of-living crisis at home, Labor must act now to cushion the blow.

“A tax on exports would help decouple Australia’s domestic market from volatile global prices.

“A 25 per cent tax is a step towards fair compensation. Gas companies have pillaged Australia’s resources for decades and now stand to make billions more in blood money from war-driven price spikes.

“These corporations salivate at the prospect of global conflict because it lets them gouge prices overseas and here at home.

“It’s Australian households and businesses who will pay the price for decisions made in boardrooms and war rooms from Washington to Canberra.

Nearly $20 million to deliver 33 life-saving road safety projects across regional NSW

Thirty-three new life-saving projects will make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers across regional New South Wales, targeting high-risk locations and delivering practical upgrades where they are needed most.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are partnering to deliver these projects with a joint 50/50 investment of over $19.7 million through the Road Safety Program, one of the most significant targeted safety investments currently rolling out across regional NSW.

Spanning 20 Local Government Areas, the works focus on notorious crossings, intersections and key thoroughfares to reduce the frequency and severity of serious and fatal crashes, helping protect local families and road users. The projects will deliver critical safety upgrades including wombat crossings, refuges, kerb ramps and shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

They will also included improved roundabouts, lighting, fencing, safety barriers and bus bays to ensure better access to public transport.

Councils receiving funding include Cabonne, Central Darling Shire, Coffs Harbour City, Dubbo Regional, Inverell Shire, Kempsey Shire, Leeton Shire, Lismore City, Mid Coast, Narrandera Shire, Orange City, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, Richmond Valley, Snowy Valleys , Tamworth Regional, Upper Lachlan Shire, Wentworth Shire,  Wingecarribee Shire, Wollongong City and Yass Valley Council.

Key works will include:

  • Road safety improvements including installation of a safety barrier, road widening and additional lanes on Tooma Road at Tumbarumba ($2,736,000)
  • Pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements including installation of a shared path on Cleaton Street, Hood Street and Field Street at Wilcannia ($819,000)
  • Pedestrian safety improvements including installation of a footpath and refuges on Park Road, Purcell Street and Derby Street at Bowral ($1,068,000)
  • Road safety improvements including shoulder/road widening and installation of a safety barrier on Wombeyan Caves Road at Wombeyan Caves ($1,640,000)
  • Pedestrian safety improvements including installation of footpath adjacent to Korora Public School on James Small Drive at Korora ($176,000)
  • Road safety intersection improvements including installation of a roundabout and pedestrian fencing at the intersection of Forbes Street and Obley Street at Yeoval ($1,792,000)
  • Road safety improvements including the installation of safety barriers and motorcycle protection on Oallen Road ($1,184,000)
  • Road safety improvements including installation of shared path, footpath, bus bay, sealed shoulder and parking installation adjacent to Binalong Public School on Dickinson Street at Binalong ($283,000)

The Road Safety Program plays a vital role in implementing treatments designed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads, with particular emphasis on helping protect vulnerable pedestrians and motorists.

Since its launch in early 2024, the Road Safety Program has allocated $125 million to councils across NSW, supporting projects to improve road safety for all communities.

For more information, visit: 

File

Road Safety Program Additional local council projects March 2026 (PDF 129.71KB)

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“As someone who represents an electorate that covers more than 30,000 square kilometres, I know how important it is that people who travel on NSW’s regional road network get home safely each time they travel.

“The Albanese Government is committed to reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and I thank the Minns Government for its collaboration on this.

“These projects will make a significant difference to the road safety in regional NSW.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the trauma on our roads by making them safer, more reliable and more resilient for every community across NSW.

“This funding will help councils deliver critical infrastructure upgrades in towns and regional centres where they will have the greatest impact.

“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries, particularly in regional communities across NSW.

“These upgrades and other initiatives are saving lives, however they cannot override a decision made when we sit in the driver’s seat. We should all make safety our number one priority and drive responsibly whenever we drive. We owe it to ourselves, to the people we love, and to those we share the road with.”

NSW Government gives $20 million boost to innovative small business

The Minns Labor Government has announced successful grant recipients in two research commercialisation programs and launched a new $20 million funding program to support companies developing high-tech innovations in NSW.

At an event at Greenhouse, Sydney’s climate tech hub, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong congratulated companies being supported through both the Biosciences Fund and RNA Pipeline Grants program and announced the launch of the new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund.

Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund

The Minns Labor Government is serious about science and innovation and recognises the real economic returns it brings for the people of NSW. That’s why the Government has launched the new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund: a $20 million, multi-year initiative to support innovative young companies developing systems, devices and therapeutics across all branches of science.

The Fund incorporates elements of the Biosciences Fund and Physical Sciences Fund as well as broadening support by placing an enhanced focus on innovations to boost local manufacturing capabilities.

The Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund is designed to help NSW startups turn world-class research into market-ready products, services and systems, creating high-value jobs and ensuring NSW remains the best place in Australia to start and grow an innovative business.

The first round has a funding pool of $7 million and opens at 10:00am on Friday 6 March. Guidelines and an application form can be found at this webpage:

https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/etcf

Biosciences Fund recipients

The Biosciences Fund is a $4.75 million, competitive commercialisation program which supports NSW startups in biotechnology and life sciences to develop and bring their technologies to market. In this round four companies were awarded grants, spanning sectors from renewable energy through to infant nutrition.       

  • All G is addressing the nutrition gap between infant formula – derived from cow milk – and human milk by replicating the composition and function of breast milk more closely.
  • HydGene Renewables has developed a breakthrough biocacatalyst technology that converts waste biomass into green hydrogen for producing key primary molecules at low cost – such as ammonia and methanol – without fossil fuels.
  • Number 8 Bio is tackling the approximately 6% of total carbon emissions created by the world’s 2.6 billion cattle and 1.2 billion sheep. The company has identified a methane inhibitor molecule that is highly effective, safe and can be produced at scale and low cost. This active ingredient is incorporated into a small cylinder, which is delivered orally and dissolves in the stomach over 4-6 months.
  • Swan Genomics has developed a world-first DNA sequencing technology that is simpler and cheaper than conventional platforms that rely on bulk optics and highly complex chemistries. Their technology is designed with scalability and accessibility at its core and can be deployed in regional hospitals, diagnostic labs, and field sites.

RNA Pipeline Grants program recipients

The RNA Pipeline Grants program is a $6 million, single-round, competitive technology development and commercialisation program which supports startups developing innovative RNA-based therapies, vaccines and technologies. The program is helping to build a robust pipeline of RNA-based products in NSW that could be manufactured at the soon-to-be-opened RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility.  RNA Pipeline Grants program is part of the NSW Government’s $119 million RNA R&D Initiatives.  Two companies were successful:

  • Platypus Bio is developing ‘TRICK’ – Trigger RNA-Induced Cell Killing. This highly targeted RNA therapeutic only activates inside cancer cells that carry specific harmful RNA mutation signals, destroying the diseased cell while sparing healthy tissue.
  • Vaxosome is developing a multiplexed mRNA TB vaccine to address the key limitations in the current treatment of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is still the world’s leading cause of death from an infection disease, and the current vaccination doesn’t reliably protect adolescents and adults from the most common lung form of the disease.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This is an important night for NSW. We gather to celebrate globally significant innovations being developed by NSW companies, which will have tangible impacts on people around the world. Tonight’s Biosciences Fund recipients are developing unique solutions for infant formula, green hydrogen for chemical applications, livestock emissions reduction and low-cost genomic sequencing.

“Meanwhile, the RNA Pipeline Grants recipients are developing world-leading therapeutics that could save lives – a highly targeted treatment for cancer, including acute myeloid leukaemia, and an mRNA tuberculosis vaccine offering improved immune protection over current treatments.

“The RNA Pipeline Grants also serve an important role in developing RNA capabilities that will make the most of our new RNA Manufacturing Facility, which will open soon.

“I’m also excited to announce the launch of our newest program supporting innovation in NSW, the Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund.

“Stemming from our Innovation Blueprint, the Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund targets the well‑known ‘gap’ in the innovation pipeline: the stage where promising technologies have early evidence but still need funding and support to mature into investable, scalable solutions. The new Fund does this through repayable grants that help de‑risk development and accelerate commercialisation outcomes.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing ongoing support to innovative companies to solve real-world challenges, such as tonight’s recipients who are achieving landmark health, environmental and economic outcomes right on our doorstep.”

Timor-Leste tunes into PacificAus TV

Audiences in Timor-Leste can now enjoy Australian content thanks to the Albanese Government’s PacificAus TV, increasing access to reliable news, delivering high-quality content and fostering greater engagement across the region.

PacificAus TV provides broadcasters in the Pacific and Timor-Leste with free access to Australian content – from drama and children’s programming to lifestyle, current affairs and sport.

Public broadcaster Radio e Televisão de Timor-Leste (RTTL) joins 17 free-to-air broadcasters across 11 Pacific countries already accessing Australian content through PacificAus TV.

PacificAus TV is a key initiative of the Albanese Government’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, which helps to foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement across the region.

The first program being provided to Timor-Leste is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, featuring the Matildas.

Sports fans will also be able to view NRL matches in Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue and Timor-Leste in 2026.

Delivered by Free TV Australia, PacificAus TV receives $5.68 million per year under the Government’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to expand access to Australian television programs.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“The start of PacificAus TV in Timor-Leste is another step in strengthening our already close partnership.

“By expanding access to trusted news, sport and entertainment, we’re building greater connections between communities and encouraging a deeper understanding of each other.

“Supporting local broadcasters with content, training and collaboration opportunities helps strengthen a vibrant, resilient and independent media sector in Timor-Leste and across the region.”

Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:

“The launch of PacificAus TV in Timor-Leste means fans can tune in to watch some of the world’s best football talent in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

“It’s also fantastic to see live and free-to-air coverage of NRL matches now available through the initiative – providing greater access for Pacific communities who have made such a strong contribution to the game.

“The expansion of PacificAus TV to Timor-Leste means 18 free-to-air broadcasters across 12 nations now have access to quality Australian content at no cost – promoting greater understanding and connection across our region.

“We are pleased to see Free TV Australia continue to deliver this important initiative, bringing communities in our region together while fostering a diverse, resilient and trustworthy regional media landscape.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Timor-Leste and Australia enjoy a strong partnership and close friendship, underpinned by deep historical and cultural links. The expansion of PacificAus TV into Timor-Leste will only deepen familiarity and ties between our two nations.

“By giving people in Timor-Leste as well as Pacific Islands access to elite competitions such as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and NRL, we are strengthening people-to-people links through sports. The more we understand and relate to each other, the more safe, stable and prosperous our region will be.”

Greens: AUKUS put Australians on the US Submarine that sank a Iranian Frigate

Prime Minister Albanese has finally admitted that there were three Australians on the US nuclear submarines that sank an Iranian frigate in International waters off Sri Lanka.

The IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate, was returning from India when a US nuclear-powered attack submarine shot a torpedo and sank the vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka in international waters. The US, and the Australian crew members, then left the crew to drown.

These actions were in breach of the Second Geneva Convention, which requires, after a maritime engagement, parties to immediately search for and collect the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked.

The Albanese Government has been lying to the Australian public about its role in the illegal US and Israeli war in Iran. Those lies have consequences and have already implicated Australia in US war crimes.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said

“This was an inevitability of AUKUS. From the start, the Greens warned the Government that AUKUS would chain us to the US military and drag us into whatever war they chose. That is what is happening now in real time.

“We know there are a minimum of 50 Australian personnel on US nuclear attack-class submarines, mostly operating in the Indo-Pacific. Albanese, after questioning from the Greens, has finally confirmed that it includes three Australian troops on the US submarine that sank the Iranian vessel.

“The Albanese Labor Government was the first in the world to back Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war in Iran. The truth is, the decision to enter this latest US war wasn’t made when the bombing began this week, it was made years ago when Labor backed in AUKUS.

“This is about a lot more than three ADF personnel on one US submarine. Australia has a host of US military bases and deployments, including Pine Gap and multiple RAAF bases open to the US military.

“For the Prime Minister, in the same breath, to admit Australian personnel were serving on the US nuclear submarine when it sank the Iranian frigate and then that Australia is not involved in the war shows how little regard he has for the intelligence of the Australian people.

“The Iranian people have suffered for decades under a brutal regime, they are now suffering under that regime as well as from Israeli and US bombs and missiles.

“The war parties, Labor, Liberal and One Nation have led us down this dangerous path, and the only way back is to end AUKUS and rethink our defence and

Greens announce women’s health advocate and Mornington Peninsula local Sianan Healy as candidate for Nepean

The Victorian Greens are thrilled to announce Sianan Healy as the candidate for Nepean in the May by-election, as she puts cost of living, housing and climate action on the top of the agenda.

As a Mornington Peninsula local and a mum, Sianan speaks to locals everyday who are raising children in our public schools, working in local health services, schools, arts and hospitality, sometimes struggling to pay bills or rent.

She says that her community deserves a strong representative who will put their needs ahead of corporate profits, fight for the issues they care about and be their progressive voice in Parliament. 

Locally, Sianan is committed to fighting for:

  • Protecting green spaces and local waters from overdevelopment or drilling,
  • Properly funding Rosebud Hospital
  • More affordable and appropriate housing that meets community needs

Sianan works for a non-profit in women’s health and has a background in research and education in the university sector. 

Sianan says we can’t risk Liberals and One Nation who will work for their corporate donors, not their community.

The Nepean community deserves a progressive voice who will fight for them on the cost of living, housing, health and climate action. 

Greens candidate for Nepean, Sianan Healy:

“I come from a family of teachers and union members who instilled in me the value of service to the community and caring for our environment. These are the values that underpin all that I do and are my motivation for representing the Greens in Nepean.”

“Big corporations are ripping off our community and making massive profits. The Liberals and One Nation won’t stand up to big corporations when they’re funded by them. Victorians deserve better. The Greens know people want change – and we’ll fight for it.”

Guns N’ Roses Knockin’ on Newcastle’s door

Newcastle has cemented itself as the home of rock and roll with Guns N’ Roses secured to play at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8.

It will be a live concert season for the ages with Guns N’ Roses to follow Foo Fighters to perform in front of a packed McDonald Jones Stadium crowd for the very first time.

Guns N Roses McDonald Jones Stadium announcementState Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and McDonald Jones Stadium Venue Manager Dean Mantle celebrate the announcement that Guns N’ Roses will play in Newcastle in December.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Guns N’ Roses is one of the best-selling musical acts of all time.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N’ Roses’ hits including Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Knockin’ On Heavens Door, November Rain and many others have transcended generations.

The international rock band will see tourists flock to the Hunter for the one-night only show.

World-class events like the Guns N’ Roses tour and global aviation links with the recent opening of the Newcastle International Airport are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, backing local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.

Guns N’ Roses are the fifth international band to be announced to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium in the past three years following Elton John, Paul McCartney, P!NK and Foo Fighters – and the stadium’s first concerts since Newcastle Earthquake Relief over three decades ago.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing in regional NSW tourism and having major events, such as Guns N’ Roses, that attract visitors year-round will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: 

“To locals, Newcastle is already paradise and I am thrilled that soon we’ll officially throw open the gates to Paradise City.

“Newcastle is a world-class city and the fact Guns N’ Roses are knocking on our door proves major international acts know this is a city worth playing for.”

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper: 

“Guns N’ Roses are rock and roll royalty and to have them take centre stage in Newcastle is a huge coup for the region.

“We can’t wait to see Guns N’ Roses knockin’ on Newcastle’s door this December, just weeks after the Foo Fighters take over the city.

“Guns ‘N Roses tour landing in Newcastle reinforces the Hunter’s rapid rise as one of Australia’s premier regional event destinations, with major global acts choosing the harbour city for headline shows alongside major international capitals.”

Local Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Guns N’ Roses wrote “Take me down to the Paradise City” almost 40 years, and now that dream is coming to life with a trip to Newcastle.

“Last month we announced the Foo Fighters would be taking on McDonald Jones Stadium, and to follow that up with Guns N’ Roses is every rocker’s dream.

“Forget coal, Newcastle’s biggest export in 2026 is a different kind of rock, rock ‘n’ roll!”

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle representative on Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee said: 

“Securing Guns N’ Roses on the back of the Foo Fighters last week is not just a win for Newcastle music fans; it’s a win for local businesses and the Hunter region. 

“This second announcement is further evidence that Newcastle has confidence international music promoters as a sure thing when it comes to ticket sales. Promoters now know based on sales from recent concerts for Pink, Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney and this week the Foo Fighters, that Novocastrians can be relied upon to pack out McDonald Jones Stadium when Guns N’ Roses show up in December. 

“It’s going to be a very big summer for Newcastle. And the good news is we are in talks with promoters about more international acts to come to our city in 2026! Watch this space!”

Surfest exhibition to offer Novocastrians a ride down memory lane

Merewether won’t be the only place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Surfest this month as foundation sponsor City of Newcastle celebrates the iconic event’s 40th anniversary.

A free exhibition at Newcastle Museum will offer an insight into the history of the contest, representing a year-long collaboration between the Museum and Surfest to uncover the stories that make this competition a special part of local, national and international surfing culture.

Crowds at Newcastle beach for Surfest in 1986A crowd of more than 25,000 surfers and fans gather on Newcastle Beach for Surfest in 1986. Chris Patterson, Hannan Photography

The exhibition, titled Newcastle: The City That Made Surfest, will open on Friday 20 March showcasing objects and photographs from the Surfest archives, items loaned from the community, as well as surfboards owned by local surfing legends Mark Richards and Russell ‘Russ’ Maloney.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle has been part of Surfest every year since its inception.

“Surfest began in 1985 as an initiative of Newcastle City Council, with Council contributing the initial funding to help create the contest,” Mr Bath said.

“The success of proud Novocastrian and four-time world champion Mark Richards gave organisers confidence Surfest could work in Newcastle.

“The contest was seen as a way to help Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Surfest is now the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere.”

City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the exhibition will highlight the role Surfest has played in shaping our city.

“This exhibition celebrates the Newcastle community that forged the legends and legacies of Surfest in Newcastle and around the world,” Ms Baird said.

“It offers new ways to connect the public with stories for and about Newcastle, from the Mark Richards twin-fin surfboard, shaped by the four-time world champion at the family surf shop on Hunter Street, to the posters that were plastered all over the city in 1985.”

Other items in the collection include a board that was presented to 14-time Indigenous Classic men’s champion Russell Maloney, and the women’s trophy that represents Phillipa Anderson, Surfest’s first Novocastrian champion.

Sports Infrastructure Working Party Chair Cr Peta Winney-Baartz said City of Newcastle is proud to have fostered an event that champions men’s and women’s events, junior competitions and the Indigenous Classic.

“Every object tells a story and this exhibition will show how Surfest has made an impact on so many people over four decades,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The exhibition features a surfboard commissioned especially for the Indigenous Classic, a cornerstone of the Surfest competition. 

“Proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfers have travelled from across Australia to compete in this event since the late 1990s.

“The exhibition will follow on from City of Newcastle’s support for a special mural to celebrate the 40th anniversary, which was painted on the wall of Merewether Surf Life Saving Club last month by Newcastle artist Mitch ‘Revs’ Resevsky.

“Surfest has always fostered a strong relationship between local organisations and businesses, while the influx of people supports local shops, cafes, retail and other services, boosting our profile as a world-class destination.”

Classic footage taken throughout the history of Surfest will also be on display.

Organiser Warren Smith said local support has always been vital to the success of the contest.

“Local media has played a big part in promoting Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“A lot of the earliest footage came from Newcastle’s own NBN Television, which broadcast the finals of Surfest live in the early years of the competition.”

Fittingly, City of Newcastle has also supported a special documentary produced by NBN, marking the 40th anniversary of Surfest. 

It will air on Saturday 7 March ahead of Surfest’s WSL Challenger Series event, which will begin on Monday 9 March.

An encore of the documentary will be telecast on Saturday 21 March at 2pm.

Guns N’ Roses Knockin’ on Newcastle’s door

Newcastle has cemented itself as the home of rock and roll with Guns N’ Roses secured to play at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8.

It will be a live concert season for the ages with Guns N’ Roses to follow Foo Fighters to perform in front of a packed McDonald Jones Stadium crowd for the very first time.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Guns N’ Roses is one of the best-selling musical acts of all time.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N’ Roses’ hits including Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Knockin’ On Heavens Door, November Rain and many others have transcended generations.

The international rock band will see tourists flock to the Hunter for the one-night only show.

World-class events like the Guns N’ Roses tour and global aviation links with the recent opening of the Newcastle International Airport are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, backing local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.

Guns N’ Roses are the fifth international band to be announced to perform at McDonald Jones Stadium in the past three years following Elton John, Paul McCartney, P!NK and Foo Fighters – and the stadium’s first concerts since Newcastle Earthquake Relief over three decades ago.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing in regional NSW tourism and having major events, such as Guns N’ Roses, that attract visitors year-round will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“To locals, Newcastle is already paradise and I am thrilled that soon we’ll officially throw open the gates to Paradise City.

“Newcastle is a world-class city and the fact Guns N’ Roses are knocking on our door proves major international acts know this is a city worth playing for.”

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Guns N’ Roses are rock and roll royalty and to have them take centre stage in Newcastle is a huge coup for the region.

“We can’t wait to see Guns N’ Roses knockin’ on Newcastle’s door this December, just weeks after the Foo Fighters take over the city.

“Guns ‘N Roses tour landing in Newcastle reinforces the Hunter’s rapid rise as one of Australia’s premier regional event destinations, with major global acts choosing the harbour city for headline shows alongside major international capitals.”

Local Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Guns N’ Roses wrote “Take me down to the Paradise City” almost 40 years, and now that dream is coming to life with a trip to Newcastle.”

“Last month we announced the Foo Fighters would be taking on McDonald Jones Stadium, and to follow that up with Guns N’ Roses is every rocker’s dream.”

“Forget coal, Newcastle’s biggest export in 2026 is a different kind of rock, rock ‘n’ roll!”

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle representative on Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee:

“Securing Guns N’ Roses on the back of the Foo Fighters last week is not just a win for Newcastle music fans; it’s a win for local businesses and the Hunter region.

“This second announcement is further evidence that Newcastle has confidence international music promoters as a sure thing when it comes to ticket sales. Promoters now know based on sales from recent concerts for Pink, Sir Elton John, Paul McCartney and this week the Foo Fighters, that Novocastrians can be relied upon to pack out McDonald Jones Stadium when Guns N’ Roses show up in December.

“It’s going to be a very big summer for Newcastle. And the good news is we are in talks with promoters about more international acts to come to our city in 2026! Watch this space!” 

Winners of NAWIC NSW leadership scholarships revealed

Two incredible women leaders in the construction industry have each been awarded a National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarship to further their careers.

This NSW Women’s Week, the Minns Labor Government is boosting women’s advancement, with the sponsorship of two National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded at NAWIC NSW International Women’s Day lunch on Friday 6 March to:

  • Isabel Duffy, Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop who received the inaugural $15,000 Emerging Women’s Leader Scholarship.
  • Nishmin Hallam, Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW) Engineers who received the $30,000 Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship

Created to recognise women who have made a significant impact on the construction industry and demonstrate potential as future leaders, the scholarships were funded by the NSW Government’s $20.2 million Women in Construction program.

These game-changing scholarships have the potential to change the career trajectory of the recipient and reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to attracting and retaining women in building industry.

The program provides funding for executive-level further education to equip senior women in the construction sector with the leadership skills to drive industry change.

Isabel is already an outstanding leader in Northrop, growing the organisation’s largest business units, as well as leading the charge for 30 per cent representation of women across all management levels by 2030. She also co-founded Tomorrow’s Women in Construction to build a sustainable pipeline of women entering the industry. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Graduate Certificate of Social Impact and the Accelerated Leadership Program at UNSW’s Australian Graduate School of Management.

Nishmin has had a 20-year career with TTW and is the firm’s first and only female director in a technical role. She’s committed to mentoring talent, particularly women, advocacy and advancing gender diversity within the profession. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Advanced Management Program at Melbourne Business School to elevate her leadership capability and strategic influence.

Previous Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship recipients include 2025 winner Nicole Waterman, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke, 2024 winner Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment at UTS, and 2023 winner Talia Keyes, General Manager for Design with Scentre Group.

To find out more about the Women in Construction program visit:  Women in Construction | NSW Government and NAWIC NSW Scholarships.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is proud to sponsor the NAWIC scholarships as part of our ongoing work to empower and create opportunities for women in the building and construction industry.

“Through our Women in Construction program, we are working towards creating a more diverse and robust sector. Part of that is attracting and retaining women in the industry, as well as making sure they have pathways to leadership, which is what these scholarships are all about.

“Congratulations to Nishmin and Isabel. You’re both an inspiration to up-and-coming women in the industry – and I look forward to seeing where these scholarships can take you in your career.”

Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive, Tom Gellibrand said:

“Congratulations to Nishmin Hallam, recipient of the 2026 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and Isabel Duffy, recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Both accomplished women exemplify the leadership, capability and commitment these scholarships are designed to support, at different but equally important stages of their careers.

“Nishmin’s progression from cadet to Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting, alongside her long‑standing commitment to mentoring and industry leadership, and Isabel’s work as a Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop and co‑founder of Tomorrow’s Women in Construction, demonstrate the impact women are having across the sector.

Through the NSW Women in Construction program, we are proud to partner with NAWIC to support initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways and build a more diverse, inclusive and future ready construction industry.”

NAWIC NSW Co-President, Taleah Stofka said:

“NAWIC NSW is committed to collaboratively driving gender equity through culture change and we are proud to offer two scholarships this year to support women in leadership roles to strengthen their capability, influence, and industry impact.

“The Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and the inaugural Emerging Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship enable further study for two amazing leaders who are already making a significant difference in the construction sector with strong ongoing support from their employers.

“Congratulations to our 2026 recipients Nishmin Hallam and Isabel Duffy, we look forward to seeing your careers develop further through your studies funded with these scholarships. Having women represented at decision-making levels helps to create inclusive, productive, and high-performing workplaces and we thank the NSW Government for their support.”