September 2024 – Page 15

Final Parliamentary and Governing Agreement update highlights achievements

The ACT Government has released the fourth and final report on the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement (PAGA) for the 10^th Legislative Assembly, highlighting commitments delivered across the parliamentary term.

Major achievements over the past four years include:

Nation-leading action on climate change as we transition to an all-electric city and phase out fossil fuel gas, working towards a net-zero-emissions future.
Modernising transport in Canberra with nation-leading uptake of electric vehicles and progress toward the next stage of light rail through the city to Commonwealth Park
A new Territory Plan that will unlock more and better housing options including public housing
Establishing universal access to early learning for three-year-old children
Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to divert Canberra’s children away from harm, toward the support they need to be part of a safer and more connected community

The PAGA was signed by all ACT Labor and ACT Greens MLAs, summarising the shared priorities and commitments of the two parties for the parliamentary term.

This fourth and final PAGA report includes the addition of delivery statements, outlining how each initiative has been, or is being, delivered.

The report is available on the ACT Government’s Cabinet and Assembly website: www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/cabinet/cabinet-office

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury:

The final update on the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement demonstrates how the ACT Government has continued to address major social, economic, and environmental challenges.

We have built on our previous achievement of reaching 100 per cent renewable electricity by taking the next steps to reduce greenhouse emissions as we work towards a net-zero-emissions future, including transitioning away from gas to electricity.

Throughout this parliamentary term we have worked hard to make a real difference to the lives of Canberrans and ensure Canberra continues to be a happy, healthy and connected community.

*Quotes from the ACT Labor Leader has been removed from the original ACT Government media release at their request.

Government all talk no action in response to NSW Police review

Today the NSW Police Force released a summary of its review into mental health incidents in the community, more than eleven months after it was first foreshadowed by the Police Commissioner. In a Media Release (attached) the Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Yasmine Catley and Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson both agreed Police should not be first responders to mental health crises, and that the Government would explore other options, but stopped short of committing to an alternative.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice Sue Higginson said, “NSW Labor continues to echo what the experts have known for years, and yet makes no commitments to make critical changes that will save lives. Something is going very wrong in the Minns Labor Government,”

“This Government is inert and asleep at the wheel when it comes to delivering health professionals as first responders to mental health incidents in the community,”

“The review that has been released today is 5 months old and identifies, in no uncertain terms, that police should not be responding to mental health incidents. Involving the Police increases the risk of adverse outcomes for people experiencing mental health issues and no amount of training for Police will change this,”

“Police are not supposed to do this work, and they don’t want to either. Yet this Government has no plan to change things. This review feels like a lead balloon, it does nothing other than talk about the problems,”

“The Government have their finger on the failing pulse of the problem, but they refuse to respond with the right remedy and urgency required. The families of people who were killed by the police deserve better, and we won’t stop until the Government understands this,”

“In the UK, they just did it. The Police there threatened to stop showing up to mental health call outs, which saw the introduction of the Right Care, Right Person model, which from all accounts is a good system. When the next Wrong Care, Wrong Person results in the wrongful death by Police, it will be squarely on the Minns Labor Government,” Ms Higginson said.

Humanitarian assistance to Vietnam

The Australian Government will provide Vietnam with $3 million for humanitarian relief, emergency supplies and other essential services in response to the devastating Typhoon Yagi.

Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit northern Vietnam in over three decades. Ongoing heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions has led to severe flooding and landslides causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

More than 150 deaths have been reported and more than 9,500 houses and 550 health facilities damaged. Around 19 million people live in the affected provinces. Two million school children are at risk of disruption to learning.

Australia’s assistance will include services delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership in concert with local organisations supporting the most affected communities and the most vulnerable.

Last night Australia delivered emergency relief supplies on a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster, including essential provisions for families such as shelter and hygiene kits.

Our contribution complements the Vietnam Government’s efforts and will be guided by local needs and priorities. Our support will focus on rapid response and early recovery for the most vulnerable, including women, children and people with disabilities, and communities in isolated rural and remote regions.

City of Newcastle funds youth-led climate action projects to empower next generation

City of Newcastle is amplifying the voices and actions of the next generation to drive local climate solutions, by awarding a total of $75,000 for 12 innovative, youth-led climate action projects.

Ranging from leadership training and mentoring, a youth climate action summit, upcycling and recycling programs and multi-media climate action projects, the funded initiatives are all designed to foster a resilient and climate-conscious community.

(l-r) Isabelle Huber of Hunter Intrepid Landcare with Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

The funding is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, which selected City of Newcastle to deliver the youth-led program as part of its global initiative.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes highlighted the significance of this funding and the impact the local projects can have on the community.

“As one of only three Australian cities to receive this funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Newcastle is leading by example in its efforts to engage young people in designing and delivering climate solutions and ensuring their voices and priorities are at the forefront of the city’s climate strategy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We are incredibly proud to support such a diverse range of youth-led projects, which are not only addressing immediate environmental challenges but also building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.”

Among the recipients is Hunter Intrepid Landcare, who have received funding to host two activities aimed at building climate resilience among young people in the region.

The group, which caters specifically to individuals aged 18-35, will use the grant to alleviate climate anxiety through practical, nature-focused initiatives.

This includes a workshop led by local herbalist Pat Collins at Fletcher on 23 November, which will focus on identifying edible plants, particularly those commonly considered weeds.

The workshop is designed to help participants build a deeper connection with nature, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and respect for the environment.

The second activity will be a coastal community clean-up, not only benefiting the environment but also promoting social connectedness among like-minded individuals.

One of the coordinators of Hunter Intrepid Landcare, Kate Mannell, said the grant would help them reach more young people through this project.

“This funding from City of Newcastle is crucial for us as an entirely volunteer-run group. It allows us to bring our vision to life by providing young people with the tools and knowledge they need to feel empowered and resilient in the face of climate change,” Miss Mannell said.

“Our goal at Hunter Intrepid Landcare is to create opportunities for young people to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways. By addressing climate anxiety and building resilience, we hope to inspire the next generation to take action and lead sustainable lives.”

Other projects funded under this round include Lambton High School, which will enhance student skills and engagement with solar energy and electric vehicle technologies at the upcoming mini-EV festival in November.

Surfers for Climate will organise a Youth Climate Leaders’ Summit to empower young people to take proactive steps in environmental advocacy, while not-for-profit organisation The Purple Card Project will host a youth-led clothes swap and repair event, promoting sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste.

Upcycle Newcastle will mentor young people in sustainable practices through upcycling, while Music Therapy Australia will support young Novocastrians to produce music videos exploring themes of climate action and sustainability.

Surfest rides wave of support back onto international stage

Newcastle will receive unprecedented exposure in 2025 when Surfest is upgraded to become one of the top 16 surfing contests in the world as part of the Challenger Series.

The event was today officially added to the second highest tier on the World Surfing League (WSL) calendar in a move that will see more than 120 of the best up-and-coming surfers on the planet drop-in to Merewether Beach from 1 to 8 June next year.

The announcement follows strong support from City of Newcastle, with Council unanimously backing a Lord Mayoral Minute last month to advocate for the international event, which will be broadcast to an audience of millions.

Surfers Jackson Baker and Philippa Anderson, Surfest founder Warren Smith, WSL President Andrew Stark, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Stephen Crowe from Port of Newcastle and surfer Ryan Callinan at the Challenger Series announcement.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has a proud history of supporting surfing in the region.

“City of Newcastle has been a sponsor of Surfest for almost 40 years and also helped to attract the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup to the city in 2021,” Cr Nelmes said.

“That event showcased Newcastle to a global audience of more than 10 million people and injected an estimated $15 million into our economy, even without the international tourists who couldn’t attend because of the pandemic.

“Since then, surfing has only grown in popularity. In 2023, the 16 WSL events attracted more than 120 million television viewers globally and social media engagement surpassed 500 million interactions across various platforms.

“Adding Surfest to the Challenger Series for 2025 will provide substantial economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Newcastle and the wider Hunter region.”

Warren Smith said Surfest will become round one of the Challenger Series in 2025, featuring explosive, high-risk surfing.

“The Challenger Series is where surfing dreams are realised and shattered,” Mr Smith said.

“At the end of the six-event series, the top ten male and top five female surfers qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour, so every heat at Merewether Beach will be like a final.

“The series features an incredible mix of young and experienced talent from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut.

“Some of the big names featured on this year’s Challenger Series include Callum Robson, Sally Fitzgibbons and Macy Callaghan, as well as our local contingent of Merewether Surfboard Club members Jackson Baker, Morgan Cibilic and Philippa Anderson.

“I must thank Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and City of Newcastle, the Port of Newcastle and all our event partners for their support.

“I’d also like to thank the WSL, especially WSL APAC President Andrew Stark, for having the confidence in Newcastle to present the Challenger Series event as a part of Surfest 2025.”

Merewether local and world number 13 Ryan Callinan said the Challenger Series is an intense experience.

“I competed on the Challenger Series full time in 2022 and it just made me so motivated to get back to the Championship Tour,” Mr Callinan said.

“I ended up finishing second at the Sydney Surf Pro that year which really set me up for the season.

“Having an event at home is going to provide a massive boost for my clubmates Jackson Baker and Philippa Anderson, as well as my good mate Julian Wilson who’s making his return to competition.”

World Surf League President Andrew Stark said the 2025 version of Surfest will feature the biggest international field the event has hosted since 2020.

“The WSL is extremely excited to see such a historic event like Surfest return to the world stage as a Challenger Series competition in 2025,” Mr Stark said.

“The sport’s biggest names have competed at this event for almost four decades, and the continued success of Surfest is a testament to the passion of the local surf community.

“We can’t wait to see the world’s best come back to Newcastle and battle it out for the Mark Richards Trophy once again.

“We’d like to thank Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the City of Newcastle, as well as the Port of Newcastle, for getting behind this event and bringing international professional surfing back to one of its heartlands.”

CEO Craig Carmody said Port of Newcastle is proud to bring back elite surfing back to Newcastle.

“This iconic Hunter event is synonymous with the city and raising the event to Challenger Series status ensures surfing in Newcastle again reaches a global audience,” Mr Carmody said.

“With diversity and inclusion a strategic pillar in Port of Newcastle’s workforce, the support of this event, that promotes elite competition in both men’s and women’s fields, is in line with the Port’s values, ensuring equal opportunity for all competitors.”

Jennifer Black appointed as the new Mental Health Commissioner of New South Wales

Jennifer Black has been appointed as the new Mental Health Commissioner. With over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy, policy development, and service reform, she will lead the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales in its efforts to improve mental health outcomes across the state.

The Commission, an independent statutory agency, works with government and communities to ensure accessible mental health support, particularly for those at risk. Central to its mission is amplifying the voices of individuals with lived mental health experiences and their families.

Ms. Black previously served as CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, where she championed greater collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and the community to improve mental health services across Queensland.

In addition, Ms. Black held leadership roles as the Victorian Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner, to help improve accountability and transparency in the mental health system, and she was seconded to the Victorian Ombudsman’s office, focusing on systemic reform and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Her appointment is expected to bolster the Commission’s leadership in improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the state by strengthening mental health services and policies in NSW, ensuring that people have access to the support they need during times of distress.

Ms. Black will begin her role as Mental Health Commissioner on Monday, October 14, 2024.

About the Mental Health Commission of NSW
Established under the Mental Health Commission Act 2012, the Commission promotes collaboration among public agencies to provide comprehensive services for those with mental illness, reporting directly to the Minister for Mental Health.

Uber tech trial for smoother trips from International Terminal

Passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will have faster and smoother journeys when Uber PIN technology launches on 24 September.

The new feature comes as Sydney Airport is set to introduce a dedicated kerbside Uber pick-up zone closer to the international terminal exit to reduce wait times, relieve congestion and improve pedestrian safety ahead of the school holidays.

Uber PIN allows passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal to request an Uber X by generating a code on their smartphone, heading to the new Uber pick-up zone and getting right in, rather than having to request, wait and locate their driver. While the current pick-up area is up to 200 metres from the terminal doors, the new spot will be located less than 20 metres away.

The upgrade puts Sydney Airport in line with other global airports, including Melbourne Airport, where the technology has been found to slash wait times in half for Uber customers, reduce crowding and enhance passenger and driver satisfaction.

Journeys from the airport in rideshare vehicles have surged by more than 10 per cent in the last year alone, now representing around half of all pick-ups.

To allow the 12-month trial to go ahead, the NSW Government has listened to key stakeholders calling for the change, putting in place an exemption to existing point to point transport regulation.

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner is requiring a number of controls to keep people safe, including new signage and barriers, a traffic supervisor, and clear reporting of trial outcomes.

Based on data and modelling, Sydney Airport is confident the new pick-up zone and PIN technology will result in better traffic flow and more organised pick-ups. The changes also mean Uber drivers have a dedicated area to wait for passengers, which is expected to reduce congestion and parking in local roads and streets.

Existing rideshare arrangements at domestic terminals will remain the same. If the trial is successful, the government will consider amending the regulation on an ongoing basis, with the option to roll out Uber PIN and dedicated pick-up zones at other terminals.

Taxi ranks, other rideshare operators and private vehicle areas will continue to operate as normal.

New Sydney Airport pick-up maps can be access here.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Terminal 1 is Australia’s global gateway, and we want to roll out the welcome wagon for our international guests and returning travellers.

“After a long flight the last thing you want is a long wait. It’s unacceptable that people are copping chaos to get a ride, especially early in the morning or late at night with heavy luggage in tow.

“This is about giving people as many transport choices as possible after a long flight. Whether you’re taking an Uber, a taxi, or a train from the airport – the last leg of your trip should be as smooth as possible.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy all the great things Sydney has on offer, and I’m pleased to announce an additional way the NSW Government is helping to improve the airport experience.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“Safety is my priority, and I have directed Uber to put in place a number of controls ahead of the Uber PIN 12-month trial at Sydney Airport T1.

“Throughout the 12-month trial, my team will continually monitor safety and compliance at the pick-up zone.

“Our regulatory framework is intended to allow service providers the flexibility to respond to consumer preferences by adopting new technology and business models – while ensuring the safety of passenger services is not compromised.”

NSW Police Force mental health review released

The NSW Government has today released a review of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) response to mental health incidents in the community, developed by the NSW Police Force.

The NSWPF responds to more than 60,000 mental health incidents in the community every year and this figure has increased by around 10 per cent annually since 2018.

In most cases a criminal offence has not been committed, there is no threat of violence and a weapon is not involved.

Last year, the NSWPF commissioned a review into its role and response to mental health incidents within the community. The scope included:

Examine the demand on the NSWPF in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
Review the training officers receive;
Define the role of police in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
Review the current operational model;
Review potential options for alternate response models.

As part of the review, Senior Police travelled to the United Kingdom to consider its ‘Right Care, Right Person’ model which ensures the right agency – that being the agency that can help the most – responds to mental health related incidents.

To be clear, in incidents where a weapon or a direct threat to life is involved, police respond.

The NSWPF’s report notes that while police are best equipped to respond to incidents involving criminality and public order, other health professionals are able to provide more appropriate care for people experiencing mental health crises.

It also acknowledges that police as the primary responder can potentially escalate a situation and that the high volume of police deployment to mental health related matters can also have flow on impacts to other community safety issues, limiting resources of police to respond to other matters.

The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health share the same goals: safer care for people experiencing mental health in the community, the safety of health professionals who provide care, and reserving police involvement in their care to situations when it is necessary for the safety of the person or community.

The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health have set up a working group of senior officials to consider the findings of the report and to develop options for an alternative response.

Additionally, the NSWPF has newly established the Mental Health Command to strengthen engagement and enhance police interventions when responding to mental health incidents.

The Command will provide oversight, strategic guidance and advice as well as engage with external stakeholders.

The Mental Health Command is part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing policing services and the safety and support of the community.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“There is consensus that people experiencing mental ill health need appropriate medical care.

“This is a complex issue and it’s important we have the right processes and support in place to address mental health incidents within the community.

“The NSWPF is responding to an extraordinary number of mental health-related calls each year, these officers go above and beyond to serve the community.

“We want to explore an alternate model so police can respond to crime first and foremost, and those experiencing mental ill health can receive the right care.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The wellbeing and safety of NSW residents will always be a priority for the NSW Government. We are witnessing a shift in the prevalence and type of mental illness, as such a new response must be considered.

“We hear the calls for change from the sector and the recent NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health, and we know action cannot wait. This report is our first step in exploring the pathway forward to an alternative model.

“It takes a whole of Government approach to address mental health – NSW Health will continue to work with the NSW Police to identify changes to the state’s emergency response for people experiencing mental health crisis.”

Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead soars to new heights

The new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) at the $619 million Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) Stage 2 Redevelopment has reached its full height of nearly 70 metres.

As the centrepiece of the hospital’s redevelopment project, the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) will provide new and expanded critical and acute healthcare services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis will visit the site today for a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the significant construction milestone.

The building will include:

A new and expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
A new and expanded Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Cancer services including a new day oncology treatment centre and inpatients units
New perioperative unit containing operating theatres, cardiac catheterisation labs and interventional laboratory
Statewide service for burns, offering inpatient and outpatient facilities
A new pharmacy and oncology pharmacy
A new Surgical Short Stay Unit

Internal and external works for the new building are well underway, including installation of facade panels, designed to illustrate the movement and reflections of the local waterways and riverbanks adjacent to the hospital.

Around 300 workers are currently working at the site each day, and this is expected to increase to around 500 a day at the peak of construction and fit out. The building is due to be completed in 2025.

The redevelopment also includes a new multi-storey car park, a revitalised ‘KidsPark’ forecourt with new food and beverage options for staff, patients and their families, an Aboriginal Gathering Space, three new playgrounds to suit children of all ages and abilities, a pet park, and refurbishment of existing spaces within the hospital, including:

Relocation of the Clinical Research Centre, Gait Analysis Laboratory and Pathology Collections into new fit-for-purpose spaces
Expansion of pathology laboratories
Pathway upgrades for improved pedestrian movement through the health precinct

The Stage 2 Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, with Roberts Co as the principal contractor.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology for communities across NSW, in particular, focusing on the parts of the state that need it most.

It will invest $3.4 billion in 2024-25 to upgrade hospitals and health facilities across the State as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care in their local community.

Of this, nearly $1 billion will be allocated towards rural and regional health capital works projects, and over half a billion towards Western Sydney hospitals in 2024-25 alone.

Key investments in the 2024-25 NSW budget include:

a further $47.8 million in the upgraded Ryde Hospital to deliver expanded and upgraded health services for Ryde and surrounding communities, which will include a new emergency department, inpatient wards and cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic services;
hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding to deliver ongoing hospital redevelopments at Eurobodalla, Temora, Liverpool, Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead, Moree, Nepean, Cessnock and Shellharbour Hospitals
$265 million for the upgrade of Port Macquarie Hospital to provide a greater range of clinical services, including emergency and maternity services for the communities of the Mid North Coast
$250 million in a critical maintenance program at hospitals and health facilities across NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to continuing to build on our previous investments in important infrastructure projects for the State, including:

Canterbury Hospital redevelopment;
Fairfield Hospital redevelopment;
Additional beds for Mount Druitt Hospital & Blacktown Hospital; and
A brand new $700 million hospital to be built at Rouse Hill.

The delivery of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment also builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering Brighter Beginnings for the children of New South Wales.

Part of the Government’s $40 million Family Start Package in the 2024-25 NSW Budget will boost the public paediatric allied health workforce with an additional 32 staff, providing access to allied health services for 3,600 more children each year, of which the Children’s Hospital at Westmead play a role.

Find out more information the redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The construction of the new hospital building and the significant investments to enhance existing health services will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues providing world-class facilities for children and their families from all over NSW, as well as clinicians and researchers.

“These new, cutting-edge healthcare facilities will set the standard nationally and globally for paediatric healthcare.

“One of my key priorities in Government has been to improve the first 2,000 days of a child’s life. This project helps to achieve this goal through ensuring kids have high quality healthcare infrastructure”.

“Once complete, the new 14-storey building will support children requiring acute and critical healthcare across multiple departments, combining cancer services, operating theatres, intensive care, pharmacy, and inpatient units in one place.”

Donna Davis MP:

“The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is a key driver of growth in this area, and its significant expansion will help bolster an environment for deeper collaboration and innovation through all aspects of health care delivery.

“The completion of the redevelopment will establish the Westmead Health Precinct as one of the largest health, research, education and training precincts in the world.”

Cathryn Cox PSM, Chief Executive, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network:

“This significant investment in redeveloping The Children’s Hospital at Westmead will provide our leading healthcare and research professionals with access to modern healthcare facilities, technology and equipment.

“The redevelopment is creating contemporary facilities to revolutionise frontline medicine while fostering improved healthcare outcomes for children across the country to live their healthiest lives.”

$5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs are set to receive a boost with the NSW Government opening the latest round of its Surf Club Facility Program.

Surf live saving clubs can apply for $5.4 million in funding for new and upgraded facilities with grants up to $1 million available.

The Program aims to keep surf life saving clubs modern and accessible, helping surf life savers to better protect beachgoers.

Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Grants will be awarded across three categories for projects that involve the upgrade, restoration or construction of new surf life saving facilities.

Category 1 offers grants up to $100,000 for facility improvement projects and closes on 14 October 2024. Category 2 offers grants up to $400,000 for small-medium construction projects and Category 3 offers grants up to $1 million for large construction projects with both closing on 11 November 2024.

Find further information and apply.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“With the surf life saving season just a few weeks away, we’re providing an additional $5.4 million to our surf life saving clubs to help them protect swimmers and keep people safe at the beach.”

“This is part of a four-year $16 million commitment from the NSW Government to ensure NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs continue to deliver a world-class service.

“This program is making a real difference with more people from all sections of the community now participating in surf life saving.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the weather warms up we know that the red and yellow flags on our beaches will be a welcome sight and this investment will support our volunteers by providing them with club facilities they need to support communities.

“The NSW Government is investing in new equipment, safety campaigns and upgraded facilities to support surf lifesaving volunteers and the work they do to keep swimmers safe.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“We are pleased to see the NSW Government acknowledge and support the amazing contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.”

“Our lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure, and accessible facilities. We have 129 clubs across the state, with over 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”