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• Community Relief Fund activated for South East Queensland local governments affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• Funding will be available for councils to assist with the costs of immediate clean-up and early recovery activities.

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast, $15 million in emergency assistance has been made available to South East councils in the impact zone.

The Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will provide councils up to $1 million to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities.

Councils can use this funding for waste and debris removal from streets, properties, and community assets, and activities to restore public assets.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to ensure appropriate recovery support is ready to go for impacted communities over the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Community Relief Fund was on standby to kickstart clean-up and recovery in the South East.

“Obviously, everyone is hoping we don’t see the worst of what this tropical cyclone can bring. But if we do, we want to make sure that as soon as recovery work is physically possible it gets underway.

“Early focus on clean-up is the first step to returning life to an even keel.”

Premier David Crisafulli

“Recovery planning was well advanced to unlock immediate support for South East Queenslanders, as soon as it was required.

“Delivering this support now means no delay and no time between response and recovery.

“Just as work continues in the north and far north, we’ll walk side by side with local governments during the next phase of recovery.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“The funding gave local councils confidence to roll out the response needed.

“This funding will boost recovery across the region.

“It’s a critical injection that will allow councils to dedicate resources to urgent clean-up tasks like tree and debris removal, and will ensure work keeps progressing.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy

“The Community Relief Fund provided flexibility for councils to address unique local recovery challenges and priorities.

“Disaster impacts vary from community to community, but the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to helping Queenslanders through recovery remains the same.

“This fund allows councils to focus on tasks of most benefit to their residents, with officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority positioned ready to assist all affected SEQ councils with their recovery efforts.”

Visit www.qra.qld.gov.au for more information.

A $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, is now available to NSW councils and their communities following the impacts of the Cyclone Alfred weather event.

Activated councils will have up to $1 million in funding made available once impacts are known. This will provide proactive support for communities to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities for important community assets such as pre-schools, senior citizen centres, libraries and community halls.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The NSW Government is coordinating a multi-agency response to the cyclone, which has been forecast to significantly impact Northern NSW and Southern Queensland.

The currently weather modelling suggests that these 15 NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) will sustain the most immediate impact of the cyclone,

The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the New South Wales and Queensland Governments to ensure appropriate support is provided to impacted communities over the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Northern NSW residents, and their neighbours to the north, are on high alert watching Tropical Cyclone Alfred approach.

“We are providing assistance now, but also have this future support on standby, ready to roll should recovery and cleanup work be needed in the immediate aftermath.

“Having this support ready to go means, if needed, essential work can begin and people’s lives can begin to return to normal as soon as possible.”

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“It’s a challenging time for communities in the Northern Rivers, who are experiencing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“Having grown up in the Northern Rivers, I know these communities well.  I am acutely aware of how worrying this event will be for local people.  

“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the work of the local mayors, Councils and community leaders, supporting their communities.

“We are activating this assistance quickly to ensure councils are supported in their work. 

“We seek to be good partners to Premier Minns and his government, through the immediate event and into the recovery”.

Premier Chris Minns

“This is a pre-emptive step to help local councils quickly respond to this disaster.

“Councils are helping their communities prepare for the onslaught, and this will help them in the aftermath.

“This is just one early part of the support for the regions that get impacted by this disaster.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib

“The NSW Government with the support of the Commonwealth is continuing to roll out support for the Northern NSW communities facing the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“This funding will be directed to councils in the local communities who need it most, with many of them still recovering after the devastating 2022 floods.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing ongoing support to the communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the days and weeks ahead.”

Newcastle high school students will be talking tech with seniors as part of an intergenerational IT lesson being rolled out at Newcastle Museum next week during the NSW Seniors Festival.

The digital-focused “lunch and learn”, designed to help seniors become more confident using their devices, is among 50 events and activities being delivered by City of Newcastle and local community organisations as part of the state-wide celebrations, which run from 3 to 16 March.

Seniors will receive tech advice from their intergenerational peers as part of Seniors Festival activities in Newcastle. Chair of the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said City of Newcastle is committed to fostering inclusivity and connection through the comprehensive local program for the NSW Seniors Festival, which this year is themed “Time to Shine”. 

“From accessible fitness activities like chair yoga to woodworking or garden tool repair workshops, there is something for seniors to engage, connect with, and discover new passions,” Cr Barrie said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to collaborate with leading community organisations for this inclusive celebration, fostering community connections, promoting health and wellbeing, and honouring the invaluable knowledge and experience seniors bring to our city.” 

The program will kick off with a buzz of activity at the free Seniors Festival Expo on 4 March at McDonald Jones Stadium, featuring live music, interactive demonstrations and up to 50 exhibitors with a range of City of Newcastle services and facilities represented.

The Hamilton clocktower building on Beaumont Street has become a vibrant one-stop hub of information, inspiration and interaction in the lead up to and during the festival, after being temporarily transformed into Shine Central by Hunter Ageing Alliance. The space will host a series of seniors-friendly events during the festival.  

Other festival events include art talks from Newcastle Art Gallery staff, and a special dementia-friendly reminiscence program at Newcastle Museum with a performance from City of Newcastle’s Community Group of the Year, The Unforgettables Choir. 

Newcastle Libraries will host a range of community sessions, featuring lantern-making workshops, expert-led discussions from Hearing Australia, and informative sessions on fall prevention and stroke awareness.

The festival is curated by the City of Newcastle, alongside the Newcastle Seniors Reference Group. For more information and the full program of events on CN’s website at https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/seniors/seniors-festival-2025

Orange residents are closer to seeing a new innovative water supply solution roll into town as a preliminary business case gets underway to look at constructing the first purified recycled water treatment demonstration plant in regional NSW.

It’s thanks to a $400,000 partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Orange City Council to explore the feasibility of building pioneering new infrastructure that will showcase how this technology works and whether it will provide another option for long-term water security in the Central West.

The plant will use cutting-edge technology to treat and recycle wastewater to an extremely high standard that will be used by the Cadia Gold Mine for industrial purposes.

It’s estimated the plant will produce approximately 3.5 megalitres of water per day, which is roughly a quarter of Orange’s daily needs.

Using purified recycled water (PRW) is a great way to increase water supply resilience and takes the pressure off existing water sources.

The design will allow for future expansion down the track if the plant proves to be successful and the community supports this move.

A learning centre is in scope to be built alongside the demonstration plant to enable locals to come along and get a better understanding of the benefits of recycled water and how the process works.

If approved, the plant will be the second groundbreaking water security solution for the region following the introduction of stormwater harvesting in 2009 which can deliver up to a quarter of the town’s water needs.

The funding for the preliminary business case includes $200,000 from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, $100,000 from the NSW Government and $100,000 from Orange City Council.

Work will begin shortly and is expected to be complete by June 2025.

The NSW Government’s draft Recycled Water Roadmap outlines actions to address barriers and pave the way for increased and expanded recycled water use in the future, including drinking and non-drinking purposes, where it is safe, beneficial and cost-effective.

For more information, consult the Recycled Water Roadmap.

Senator for New South Wales, Senator Deborah O’Neill:

“This $400,000 investment is a bold step toward increasing water security for the Central West, offering a pioneering solution to the region’s water challenges. The collaboration highlights the Albanese Government’s commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions that improve resilience in the face of climate challenges.”

“It’s exciting to see the Albanese Government’s National Water Grid Fund supporting Orange’s water security future. It’s another example of how federal and state Labor governments are working together to support communities in regional NSW.”

“Through a joint effort between the federal and state governments and Orange City Council, we’re working to bring cutting-edge water technology to the region. The proposed purified recycled water treatment plant will not only help secure a sustainable water supply for industrial use at Cadia Gold Mine but also serve as a vital demonstration of how this technology can support the region’s long-term water needs. The investment reflects our dedication to finding practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit local communities and bolster water resilience across New South Wales.”

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC said:

“I’m proud to announce that we’ve come together with the Federal Government and Orange City Council to explore the possibility of using purified recycled water.

“This is an ingenious solution that makes the most of the water we already have and increases our resilience to challenges such as drought and a changing climate.

“Recycled water is already being used in 35 cities across the globe and is currently being tested at Quakers Hill in Sydney’s west.

“It is still early days for New South Wales, and we have to do our due diligence first, but it’s exciting to think of the possibilities this cutting-edge technology could offer as we progress work on the draft Recycled Water Roadmap.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:

“Orange is one of the fastest growing regional towns in the state with tourism, agriculture and mining and that’s one of the reasons water security is so critically important for the Central West.

“I’m pleased that this business case is progressing thanks to support from all levels of Government. If it goes ahead, this demonstration facility can play an important role in long-term work to improve regional water security and can also unlock jobs and greater economic development in the area.”

Mayor of Orange City Council, Tony Mileto said:

“Orange has proven it’s on the front foot when it comes to water solutions, such as our award-winning stormwater harvesting scheme – we’ve always been forward thinking when it comes to looking at alternative ways to secure and use water.

“We’re looking forward to becoming the first regional city in NSW to look at trialing purified recycled water to safeguard our resources, and ensure our community is in a stronger position to withstand the next drought.

“Because of our experience using stormwater harvesting for potable use, survey results show that residents are open to exploring the use of using recycled water, and having a demonstration plant will enable them to see how the technology works up close and in action.”

Barangaroo has reached its next major milestone with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces granting approval of the modification request for Central Barangaroo.

This decision follows more than a decade of inaction and indecision from the former Government which left this site stuck in limbo.

The planning determination means that the central Barangaroo proposal can proceed subject to conditions.

This development is the final piece of Barangaroo to proceed, enabling the transformation of a once neglected and inaccessible part of the city into a dynamic cultural, residential, business and retail hub.

The development will comprise a mix of residential and retail including restaurants and bars, a hotel and community facilities.  It allows for the area to become a destination in its own right on the Sydney Harbour foreshore due to its proximity to the new Barangaroo Metro.

The approval requires high standards of quality and sustainability, in line with the rest of Barangaroo, with a focus on water efficiency, carbon neutrality, and zero waste.

At least 50% of public open space will be maintained, a key principle of the original proposal.

The modification also delivers an extra 800 square metres of community floor space and two new public plazas. It also establishes view corridors along the northern and southern plazas.

On the nearby Central Barangaroo foreshore there are also separate plans for a new 1.8-hectare waterfront public park for recreation, events and entertainment, currently known as Harbour Park.

When assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) carefully assessed the historic view impacts of the proposal, particularly between Observatory Hill and Sydney Harbour. Conditions on the project include incorporating the Heritage Impact Statement into the consent.

It also included a condition being imposed requiring the height of the northern part of the block facing Nawi Cove to be reduced from 8 storeys down to 5 storeys. This provides continued connection to the water view from Observatory Hill.

In addition, the measures outlined in the Heritage Impact Assessment together with design guidelines will support a design within the building envelope which will further minimise impacts on historic views.

The planning approval enables the proponent to undertake detailed design work, which will include community consultation.

For more information visit: Central Barangaroo | Barangaroo

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The renewal of the strategically important Barangaroo site has always been about providing greater access to Sydney’s harbour foreshore. It will create jobs and homes, enhance our cultural facilities, civic spaces and parkland, and create diverse experiences and destinations – all easily accessible by public transport.

“Detailed design work can now proceed on this prominent space under consent conditions to support design excellence to respect the surrounding area.

“This approval considers Barangaroo’s prominent position and is respectful of the contribution of the area to Sydney’s development and future.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Under the former Government this project was stuck in planning purgatory for over a decade, and this site had been a blight on the harbour for many years before that.

“This is a fantastic outcome. Now that planning approval has been granted, we can get on with the job of delivering the final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle.

“With the Barangaroo Metro station now open, the Pier Pavilion and the Cutaway nearing completion, Barangaroo Reserve, Marrinawi and Nawi Cove open, it will be fantastic to see the full vision for Barangaroo finally realised for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Greater accountability and transparency are at the heart of new strata laws now in effect which require strata managers in NSW to be upfront with owners about kickbacks and conflicts of interest.

The reforms give property owners better information and increase accountability for strata managers through improved transparency around their financial relationships and potential conflicts of interest.

The expanded disclosure requirements mandate clear and timely information-sharing by strata managers.

Under the new laws, strata managers must:

• Disclose any connections with suppliers and developers, including the nature of the relationships
• Provide detailed breakdowns of insurance quotes, including commissions and broker fees
• Report in real time if any new connections or interests arise during their appointment

Additionally, strata managers must now provide enhanced annual reports to owners corporations which detail any supplier and developer connections.

NSW Fair Trading will be enforcing these new obligations, with strata managers required to understand and comply with the new requirements, including auditing their previous disclosure practices to identify any gaps, and implement processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting under the new requirements.

Strata property owners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes and discuss any concerns with their strata manager.

Targeted compliance operations and education initiatives will embed recent reforms and improve consumer confidence in strata management.

Managers who fail to meet the new disclosure obligations may face penalties of up to $110,000.

These new rules form part of the second tranche of reforms the Government has passed through the NSW Parliament to improve the strata industry.

A third tranche of reforms is currently being debated in the NSW Parliament and will increase accountability of developers to ensure initial strata levies are accurate so owners aren’t hit with higher fees once they move in, and will introduce financial hardship provisions for people struggling to pay their fees and protect owners from unfair contract terms. 

For more information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website:

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/property-professionals/working-as-a-property-agent/rules-of-conduct/disclosure-requirements

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“These reforms are about ensuring transparency and accountability for everyone living in strata communities.

“These enhanced disclosure requirements will give strata property owners the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their homes or investments.

“Strata managers have an obligation to act in the best interests of their clients, which includes maintaining the trust of owners corporations. These reforms will improve oversight and ensure strata managers’ practices are open and transparent.

“Strata owners deserve clear, timely, and honest information from their managers, and these laws provide a vital step in restoring trust and supporting better decision-making for strata communities.”

Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:

“With more than 87,000 strata schemes and more than 1.2 million people living in strata across NSW, these reforms are vital in ensuring fairness and trust for everyone living in strata communities.

“We will be working to educate the industry on their obligations and monitor compliance with NSW strata laws, with penalties of up to $110,000 for those flouting the law.”

The NSW Government has launched the new TAFE NSW Charter, reaffirming its commitment to equipping the state with the skilled workforce it urgently needs.

A key recommendation of the independent review of the NSW vocational education and training (VET) sector, the TAFE NSW Charter lets the people of NSW know what they should expect from TAFE – as the provider at the heart of vocational training. 

Launched to coincide with the start of Semester 1, 2025, the announcement comes as students return to campuses across NSW and marks a pivotal moment for TAFE NSW along with the rollout of its new operating model.

This model, also stemming from the NSW VET Review, introduces teaching faculties with deeper ties to local industries and communities, enhancing responsiveness and collaboration.

The Charter reflects TAFE NSW as an important public asset, community space, industry partner and a leader of educational quality and innovation within the broader VET sector.

Together, the TAFE NSW Charter and operating model will strengthen the critical role TAFE NSW plays for industry and communities across the state.

The announcement was made at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, where a $33 million NSW Government investment is upgrading facilities, including a new learning space for health services students.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said: 

“A skilled workforce is the backbone of our economy, and TAFE NSW is central to delivering the critical skills training needed for strong industries and thriving NSW communities.

“The TAFE NSW Charter is a commitment that TAFE NSW will deliver world-class education and training focused on critical skills needs for NSW, now and into the future.

“It provides a clear mandate for TAFE NSW to lead the way in delivering innovative, industry-aligned training that equips people with the skills and confidence to succeed, while driving economic growth and inclusion for communities.

“It details how TAFE NSW, as the public training provider, will deliver quality skills training to workers beginning and continuing careers in those industries we know are a priority for the state, such as construction, advanced manufacturing, and the care sector.

Acting Managing Director TAFE NSW, Chloe Read said: 

“The TAFE NSW Charter is more than a statement of purpose – it’s a commitment to the diverse range of students, industries, and communities we support.

“It will secure TAFE NSW’s place at the heart of the VET sector, providing high-quality training that prepares individuals for success in their careers and strengthens the fabric of our local economies and communities.”

Diploma of Nursing student TAFE NSW Kingscliff, Sophie D’Arcy said:

“Having a strong and sustainable organisation like TAFE NSW underpinning the VET sector means that we can access the vital training needed to pursue our dream professions.

“For me, that’s starting my journey as a nurse through the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Kingscliff. I am due to complete my studies later this year and am confident my training, combined with practical application and supportive teachers, will give me the skills I need to succeed in my future career.”

A teenager has been charged as an investigation continues into an assault at Raymond Terrace over the weekend.

Just after 2.30am yesterday (Sunday 2 February 2025), emergency services were called to Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, following reports of a stabbing.

On arrival, officers were told two men – both aged 31 – had been assaulted, with one allegedly stabbed in his back.

The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to a hospital in a serious but stable condition where he remains.

The other man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident commenced by Port Stephens-Hunter Police District detectives.

Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home in Raymond Terrace about 1.10pm today (Monday 3 February 2025).

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with reckless wounding.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court tomorrow (Tuesday 4 February 2025).

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Momentum is gathering for an end to native forest logging. A 2024 survey showed that 70% of people in NSW support an end to native forest logging on public land, with 69% in support nationally. Ending native forest logging in NSW is no longer a question of if, but when. 

Under the Greens’ plan, the NSW Government will be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. This funding will go directly towards ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for communities and workers. The Greens will pay for this plan by making the big corporations pay their fair share of tax. 

The Greens will advocate for this funding to contribute to establishing the Great Southern National Park, which will ensure the protection and enjoyment of our forests by all for generations to come. Under this proposal, there is the potential for over 400,000 hectares of state forest to be added to the reserve system once native forest logging ends. Additionally, funding could go towards rehabilitating and restoring our forests, creating sustainable communities and jobs, working with Traditional Owners, supporting sustainable plantations, and increasing disaster resilience and management capability, including remote area firefighting

The proposal for a Great Southern Forest National Park is one that has been coordinated by local community groups and environmental NGOs over a number of years, including the Great Southern Forest NSW organisation and the National Parks Association of NSW. 

The Greens will be launching their policy initiative on NSW’s South Coast, which suffered immense devastation during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and continues to remain in the grip of an ecological crisis, with logging continuing to destroy critical habitats, including those of the endangered greater glider. The fires burned over 1.1 million hectares in the region, with 61% of the affected area experiencing high or very high severity burns—devastating local communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Nick McKim, Greens spokesperson for Forests, and Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens spokesperson for the Environment, are in Batemans Bay today to announce the Australian Greens’ plan to end native forest logging in NSW and create the Great Southern Forest National Park. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens: 

“Ending native forest logging once and for all and restoring them is necessary for our environment, climate and community. Logging native forests is not just unsustainable, it’s untenable.

“The NSW South Coast forests and communities have been through devastating bushfires and logging continues to destroy the habitat of endangered species like the greater glider. Creating the Great Southern Forest National Park will ensure the protection and restoration of our precious forests and the wildlife within for generations to come. If we don’t step up for nature now – the ancient living breathing forests will become graveyards.

“By not ending native forest logging the Federal and NSW Labor governments have failed our environment, climate and communities, all to serve corporate interests over people and the planet.

“Our magnificent forests should be a sanctuary for wildlife like the Greater Gliders, not a sacrifice to industry. Yet, Federal and State Governments have sanctioned native forest logging and stood by and watched the trees fall. 

“It is time for the government to stop siding with industry and start protecting our forests, climate, water, and our future.” 

Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Forests: 

“Our beautiful native forests are worth more standing. They are rich in carbon and biodiversity, and critical in the fight for a safe climate and healthy ecosystems. 

“Ending native forest logging is a huge opportunity for the people of NSW, particularly regional communities.

“We can protect nature, take climate action, and create thousands of new, well paid, skilled jobs in firefighting, rewinding and environmental restoration and management.”

Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens Spokesperson for the Environment: 

“It’s past time that native forest logging ended in NSW. It is driving the extinction and climate crises, and our precious forests need to be protected and regenerated.

“Stitching together the unfinished Great Southern Forests is just part of the fantastic project that is protecting and regenerating all native forests in NSW – and the Greens are putting our plan to fund it on the table.

“If the NSW Minns Labor Government wants to recover any of their credibility on the environment and forests, then they should grab this opportunity with both hands.”

References

1.  Australia Institute (2024) Polling Research: Ending Native Forest Logging Across Australia

2. Eurobodolla Shire Council, Bushfire Recovery

The Minns Labor Government has announced today that 36 early childhood education and care services will receive more than $5.9 million to trial extended hours and create an additional 350 places for children.

The recipients are part of the second round of the Minns Government’s Flexible Initiatives Trial (FIT). The first round in April 2024 saw 16 services across the state supported to offer longer hours, weekend operating hours and additional places. This year’s grant recipients include 6 in metropolitan Sydney, 9 in Western Sydney and 21 in regional NSW.

The trial supports services to test new and expanded operating models to better cater for local families’ needs, increase availability of places where and when they are needed most, and reduce barriers to workforce participation.

The grants will help services create up to 350 additional places in long day care services and community preschools, extend hours including before and after school and on weekends, fund new educator and teacher positions, open new rooms, expand programs and establish five new family day care services.

This is part of the NSW Labor Government’s long-term commitment to support children and young families in the early years, which includes an historic $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools in NSW, which is the largest investment in public preschools in the state’s history.

We have also committed $60 million to build and upgrade preschools at non-government schools in areas where they are needed most, and $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services.

The new offerings include:

• Choice Preschool Kindergarten Auburn plans to increase their licensed places by 20 and provide two sessions per day, from 9am to 12pm and from 3pm to 6pm. The service is in a community with a high proportion of new migrants and asylum seekers.
• Koorana Croydon Street Preschool Lakemba plans to add a vacation care program for up to 18 preschool children in the April, July and October school holidays. The service supports children of all abilities, including those with additional needs. Children can also access NDIS-funded therapy on site during the term and as part of the new vacation care program.
• Indigo Early Learning Centre Forresters Beach on the Central Coast will increase licensed places by 41, from 79 to 120.
• Murray-Toola Damana (Many Hands) Preschool Mount Druitt will open for an extra day each week from three to four days, and employ a bus driver to pick up and drop children home.
• Planet Long Day Care in Coledale plans to extend their operating hours by two hours each day, increasing licensed places by 20.
• Eurobodalla Shire Council plans to establish five new family day care services to provide early childhood education and care for up to 50 children six days a week. It also proposes to employ a full-time family day care relief educator to cover leave across the shire’s family day care services.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial is a $20 million trial program launched by the Minns Labor Government in 2023, through the NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund. The program aims to improve equitable access to affordable quality early childhood education and care services.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring children across NSW get the best start in life through high-quality early learning – no matter their postcode.

“The Flexible Initiatives Trial is supporting our valued early childhood services, teachers and educators to trial new ways of meeting families’ needs.

“Not only does this program increase access for children in our state to early quality education and care, it also removes a barrier facing parents who wish to re-enter the workforce or enter it for the first time.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a plan to build stronger, more accessible education for families across the state.”