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The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

An additional 21 houses have been released to the market in two auctions being held in Murwillumbah and Lismore in November. 

To date, 106 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated off the high-risk floodplain by the new owner.

The next release of homes is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah will auction 11 houses at the Murwillumbah RSL Club, starting at 6pm on November 11. This will be followed by a PRD Northern Rivers auction of 10 houses at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on November 17 from 5.30pm.

Among the Tweed homes being auctioned are several properties that had been renovated by their previous owners, retaining their period charm, including stained glass windows, timber flooring and high ceilings.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain and helping other homeowners to undertake resilience works to protect and mitigate the impact on their properties from future flood events.

Under the program, more than 930 offers have been made to buyback homes in the highest risk areas, with over 720 settled to date. A further 620 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. Our target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.

The program plays a critical role in reducing the number of people living in harm’s way by permanently moving families out of the most flood-prone areas. This not only protects lives and property but also supports the long-term sustainability of Northern Rivers towns by rebuilding in safer locations.

A full list of the houses for auction is found below and more details on the November 11 auction, including photos can be found at NSW Reconstruction Authority Homes released for purchase.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“These auctions are a powerful sign of progress, proof that our region is rebuilding with heart and hope.

“Every home that’s relocated represents a family starting fresh in a safer place and a piece of our community’s story being preserved for the future.

“This program is not just about moving homes, it’s about honouring the past, supporting renewal, and building a stronger, safer Northern Rivers for generations to come.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“The strong turnout at these auctions shows how much the community values the chance to give these homes a second life.

“We’re proud to continue this momentum and will keep releasing homes while community interest remains strong.”

Communities along the Hawkesbury River and Central Coast are one step closer to safer and more reliable travel, with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments confirming an extra $8.99 million for critical repair and resilience works on Wisemans Ferry Road at Greengrove.

The road, which was badly damaged by floods and storms in recent years, has been the focus of extensive landslip remediation since 2024. This new funding brings the total joint investment to $37.35 million, under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The investment includes:

• $28.89 million to restore the road and embankments damaged by floods and landslips.
• $8.46 million from the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package to strengthen the road so it is more resilient to future natural disasters.

Central Coast Council is delivering the works, with contractors already active across more than 40 landslip sites between Spencer and Gunderman.

Works at Greengrove will begin in 2026, with full completion expected by late 2026, weather permitting.

This latest funding will ensure the road, a vital link for local residents, businesses, tourists and freight, can better withstand the impacts of severe weather and keep communities connected.

Further project information can be found on Central Coast Council’s website.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is partnering with state and local governments to not only repair roads damaged in natural disasters, but to build them back better and more resilient to future events.

“This additional funding will help to ensure Wisemans Ferry Road provides safer and more reliable journeys for locals and visitors to this area in the years to come.

“We are committed to ensuring Australia’s regional communities have roads they can rely on, which is why these projects are so important.”

the Member for Robertson, Dr. Gordon Reid:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a critical local artery for communities along the Hawkesbury River, linking them to jobs and educational opportunities, and providing access to other goods and services.

“The additional $8.99 million being announced today together with the initial funding will help Central Coast Council ensure the road is not just restored to its former state but is better able to withstand future challenges.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Repeated severe weather events have clearly shown how important it is to make sure our key regional roads are not just fit for purpose, but resilient to inevitable future natural disasters.

“Wisemans Ferry Road provides essential connections for communities in the region, and this additional funding will allow Central Coast Council to go even further in ensuring the road can better cope with landslips and significant rain events.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

“Thousands of residents and visitors to the region rely on Wisemans Ferry Road every day

“This work will enable them to feel confident the road will be safer and can deal with bad weather better than before.

“I am pleased at the level of commitment from all levels of government in this investment and work to improve conditions for all users of a crucial artery of our growing region.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“It’s great to see the three levels of government working together to build back better on the Central Coast.

“Roads connect communities to each other and essential services. We need to ensure they are fit for purpose now and into the future and this boost in funding will do just that.”

Gosford MP Liesl Tesch:

“With the increasing threat of significant weather events, we know Wisemans Ferry Road is likely to face increasing weather-related challenges in the future.

“It is so important to invest not only in restoring the road, but in improving it so that when natural disasters do occur, our critical infrastructure can cope, and normal life can resume more quickly.

“I welcome this additional funding on behalf of our local community who I know have long been advocating for this work.”

Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a vital connection for many of our river communities and we know how tough it’s been with all the damage from storms and floods.

“This extra $8.99 million in funding is a big win – it means we can keep pushing ahead with repairs and make the road stronger and safer for the future.

We’re working hard to get things back on track and we really appreciate the community’s patience while we get the job done.”

Firefighters who are diagnosed with ten cancers will be able to access support more quickly through the workers compensation system under reforms to be introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

The NSW Government will expand the number of cancers where firefighters are presumed to qualify for workers compensation, in recognition of the occupational hazards they are exposed to as first responders.

This removes the worker’s usual burden to prove causation, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and firefighting work.

The additional cancers include primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, as well as female and male reproductive cancers including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.

This will bring NSW into line with other states, while making NSW the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers for firefighters. This is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide equity for male and female first responders.

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, qualifying firefighters are already presumed to be eligible where they are diagnosed with other primary cancers including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, esophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.

All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity.

The changes will enhance access for volunteer and paid firefighters with the NSW Rural Fire Service as well as firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This is a significant milestone to ensure that people who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the community are supported in their time of need. Firefighters work in difficult conditions protecting the community and this reform provides recognition by delivering on our commitment to support frontline workers.

“We know a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a firefighter and their family, as well as their colleagues and employer. These changes mean these firefighters will be able to easily and quickly access compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions. 

“In developing this reform, we met with firefighters, the union and volunteer firefighter associations and considered work in other jurisdictions to determine how we could best support first responders.

“We are providing a better safety net for frontline firefighters in this state while at the same time reforming workers compensation to make it more sustainable so it can continue to support injured workers, including our emergency service workers.

“I urge the Parliament to support these measures as a priority to ensure these benefits can be provided as quickly as possible.”  

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been working tirelessly towards this historic announcement to ensure those who serve and protect the community have access to compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions.

“We have been working closely with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU) and the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and thank their members and families for their ongoing strong advocacy.

“At present, eligible firefighters in New South Wales are entitled to a presumption to workers compensation if they have a diagnosis of any of the 12 primary site cancers listed in the workers compensation legislation. This legislation will also impact National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation workers who are AWU members.

“By including additional cancers, we are acknowledging the occupational exposure to risks that firefighters regularly face and the long latency periods for certain cancers.”

Secretary of the FBEU, Leighton Drury said:

“Professional firefighters have worked hard for this result and we are pleased to see our employer, and the NSW Government, recognise the additional risks of our profession.

“FBEU members keep our communities safe every day and it’s important that our safety at work is recognised in this legislation.”

Scott Campbell AFSM, President of the RFSA said:

“Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfires to vehicle and structure fires.

“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. This reform means volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered.”

The NSW Government congratulates the NSW Australian of the Year recipients for 2026: NSW Australian of the Year, Dr Alison Thompson OAM, NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann and NSW Local Hero, Theresa Mitchell.

The recipients were announced at a ceremony tonight at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions made by the people in our communities every day.

All 17 nominees have made extraordinary efforts worthy of recognition.

From leading critical research to protecting our coral reefs, to work supporting vulnerable members of our community who need a safe place to stay or someone to talk to in times of need, from passionate advocacy, to keeping kids connected to culture and learning.

The NSW recipients will join the recipients from other states and territories at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

For more information visit Australian of the Year Awards.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and award recipients.”

“Each has a personal story and motivation that drives the work they do, and it’s clear how much passion and dedication they bring to it.

“They should all be proud of what they have achieved.

“It’s a real privilege to recognise Dr Alison Thompson OAM as the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year.

“Her commitment to volunteering and helping others in times of crisis shows the incredible difference one person can make.

“Her leadership and compassion are an inspiration to so many.”

The 2026 Australians of the Year

NSW Australian of the Year – Dr Alison Thompson OAM (Sutherland Shire)

Dr Alison Thompson has deployed over 30,000 volunteers to the world’s worst disaster zones – bringing humanitarian assistance and medical aid to over 18 million people.

It started on September 11, 2001, when as an investment banker, Alison rushed to New York’s World Trade Centre with her first aid kit. She stayed nine months, offering disaster relief arm-in-arm with ordinary, like-minded people.

Galvanising grassroots momentum, Alison founded Third Wave Volunteers – a global movement of first responder volunteers who bring relief to the world’s disaster and war zones, including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Following the 2004 tsunami, she set up the first Tsunami Early-Warning Centre and education museum, which continues to thrive.

By mobilising everyday people, 61-year-old Alison is building resilience in local communities through sustainable, locally driven disaster prevention and recovery. Drawing from her upbringing as a pastor’s child, Alison believes that each person’s small skills add up to drive big changes.

NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Professor Henry Brodaty AO (Double Bay)

Professor Henry Brodaty is transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia – improving countless lives, both in Australia and around the world.

In 1972, Henry’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 52 years old. At that time, dementia was poorly understood and often ignored. People living with dementia and carers had little support and no pathway forward. His father’s experience catalysed a lifetime of work that not only revolutionised Henry’s own field of psychiatry, but also the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

In 2012, Henry co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing and led internationally significant research that enhanced the world’s understanding of risk and prevention. His large Maintain Your Brain trial demonstrated that straightforward, cost-effective, targeted interventions can profoundly delay onset and even prevent dementia.

Henry, 78, is a leader who has reshaped dementia care from every angle as he navigates toward a future where dementia is better treated and prevented.

NSW Young Australian of the Year – Nedd Brockmann (Randwick)

Nedd Brockmann, a then 23-year-old electrician from Forbes, had a goal – to run across Australia and inspire people to do more for themselves and the homeless.

Nedd’s concern for homelessness was sparked by his journey into TAFE every week where he saw too many people sleeping rough on Sydney’s Eddy Avenue. He wanted to do something to highlight homelessness, its complexities and prove that it’s solvable.

So, in 2022, he ran from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, completing a 3,952km journey over 46 days, and becoming the fastest ever Australian to do so. Nedd, 26, raised over $2.6 million from over 37,000 individual contributors.

He went on to start Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge in 2024, and with his team, has raised over $8 million for those experiencing homelessness. He also raises funds for his charity partner, Mobilise, to change lives through innovative programs to reduce the number of people sleeping rough.

NSW Local Hero – Theresa Mitchell (Banora Point)

Theresa Mitchell cares for people who are homeless or in crisis, providing a compassionate lifeline for people who’ve fallen through the gaps.

Opening its doors in 2009, Agape Outreach Inc began when Theresa found she couldn’t walk past homeless people on the street anymore. So, she handed out meals she cooked in her own kitchen.

Today, Agape operates throughout the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast with the support of more than 300 volunteers. Together they provide over 1,500 hot meals every week to vulnerable people on the streets and offer capability-building services such as back-to-work programs, psychology and basic life skills.

With kindness, compassion and practical care, 51-year-old Theresa has changed countless lives in the last 16 years. As well as advocating for the homeless and disadvantaged, Theresa has fostered 37 children.

Agape means ‘unconditional love’ – a sacrificial love that transcends and persists, regardless of circumstance. This is Theresa’s gift to her community.