Month: October 2024

The first of 100 public preschools to be built by the Minns Labor Government has opened today, as work continues to ensure every child in New South Wales has the best possible start to their education.

Attached to Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, the new public preschool will welcome up to 80 preschoolers each week, providing expanded access to quality, free, early education in South West Sydney.

Importantly, this preschool is co-located with the primary school, easing students transition into kindergarten and full-time schooling, while easing pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic $769 million investment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, doubling the existing number of public preschools across the state. Once complete more than 9,000 families and children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community.

Tenders to build 85 of these public preschools are being released by the end of the year, with the first tranche of tenders out to market, including for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.

The NSW Government’s work towards delivering universal preschool across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool. 

Research shows that children who participate in a quality preschool education program for at least five days a fortnight in the year before school are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need for learning.

With the first preschool now open to students, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.

Children can enrol in public preschools if they turn 4 on or before 31 July in the year before starting school.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said: 

“This was one of the largest, and most important commitments we made prior to the election, and it’s fantastic to reach this milestone.

“We know that early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our states young people and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.

“As a government there is no better investment than young people and their education.

“No matter where you decide to raise your family in New South Wales, you should have access to quality, fee-free early education for your children – and that’s exactly what we’re working to deliver.

“One down, 99 to go!”

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

“It is wonderful to open the first of our Government’s 100 new public preschools and see Liverpool’s youngest learners begin their educational journey here at the new Gulyangarri Public Preschool. 

“This is the first step in a major expansion in access to preschool for families across NSW. The Minns Labor Government is investing in our future by giving many more children access to quality preschool before they start school.

“We made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“Access to a free, public preschool is a gamechanger for so many families in Liverpool and beyond, and I am delighted that Liverpool will be the first of many communities to access this fantastic initiative.

“We know how important early childhood education is in improving opportunities for children and families for years to come.

“The cost of early childcare has previously limited access for many parents. This affordable option, co-located with local public schools, is a lifeline for those families to get their children into a quality preschool.”

Gulyangarri Public School principal Ian Tapuska said: 

“The new public preschool will help form strong connections between children, families and school staff, foster a sense of belonging, and help teachers understand and meet the individual needs of children when they start school.

“The preschoolers will become part of our public education family, and we look forward to supporting a positive transition to school for our youngest learners.”

NSW Ambulance staff from across southern NSW have today been recognised for their service and dedication at a special awards ceremony in Goulburn.

Among those being recognised are paramedics and control centre staff who responded to a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, as well as those who successfully assisted with a premature birth and resuscitation.

Other NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers were acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Certificates of Appreciation, Commissioner Unit Citations, while others were recognised for attaining or expanding their qualifications.

The Goulburn Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the second of three events being held in 2024 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. The first ceremony was held in Port Macquarie with the third to be held in Sydney in December.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This ceremony is about recognising the hard-working NSW Ambulance clinicians, control centre staff and volunteers who serve our communities so effectively, day in and day out.

“Today, we honour the dedication of our clinicians and control centre staff whose tireless efforts make our communities safer, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

“I also want to thank and recognise the exceptional care paramedics and call takers deliver to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“The NSW Ambulance staff being recognised today have shown they can perform their duties to the highest standard even in the most challenging situations.

“Each award is not just an acknowlegement of individual excellence, but a celebration of the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience that defines our NSW Ambulance and wider NSW Health community.

“Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being there to service your communities in their time of need. Your role is incredibly appreciated.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“It is a privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide critical care in life-threatening situations is a testament to their training and character.

“As well as awarding the Commissioner’s Unit Citation and Commissioner’s Certificate for those who attended a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, we are also recognising our paramedics for their long and diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals, the National Medal and the National Emergency Medal.

“Today, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the profound impact they have had on countless lives. We are proud to recognise the invaluable work they do every day.”

A brand new raised pedestrian crossing outside Ryde Public School is one of the projects being funded by the NSW Government to make it easier for kids to walk, ride or scoot to school.

The new “wombat crossing” on Argyle Avenue, Ryde, will include fencing and concrete blisters to slow vehicles outside Ryde Public School, making it safer for kids to cross before and after school and for community members to access Top Ryde Shopping Centre.

The new crossing is part of a $10 million Get Kids Active fund, a Minns Labor Government initiative that is delivering projects around primary schools that make it safer and more comfortable for students and their families to walking, scoot or ride to school.

The new program, announced in early 2024, has seen grants of up to $800,000 secured by 24 councils to deliver new projects.

The Get Kids Active program has also brought bike skills courses into the school yard, to increase kids’ confidence and safety awareness when on two wheels.

So far, over 1000 students at 18 schools across NSW have enrolled in the school holiday courses, learning about safely crossing the road with their bikes, correct helmet fitting, riding on ramps and taking part in fun-filled activities like relays.

The Get Kids Active program will give primary school children and their parents more confidence to ditch the car trip to and from school, and consider walking, bike riding, scootering or skateboarding instead.

The funding announcement comes as applications open for another $60 million in Get Active NSW grants for councils across the state.

From 14 October 2024, councils can apply for grants in this latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active and Get Kids Active funding programs. Upgrades that can be delivered through these programs include new footpaths and cycleways, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians.  

Shortlisted applications will be prioritised to ensure that 40 per cent of funding is for Regional Outer Metropolitan projects, and 15 per cent is for projects in Western Parkland City.

Last year, 108 Get NSW Active projects were completed with a total grant value of $35.1 million. Of these, 50 projects were completed in greater Sydney worth $21.8 million and 58 were completed in regional and outer metropolitan areas worth $13.1 million.

Minister Haylen:

“The raised wombat crossing outside my own kid’s primary school means they can be seen clearly by oncoming cars, and those cars are slowing down to navigate the bump.

It’s a small piece of infrastructure, but it gives me a big boost of confidence knowing that my kids can walk, ride or scoot safely to school.

“With Get Kids Active program, we want to invest in small infrastructure projects like wombat crossings to make everyone’s walks to school safer, no matter where they live in the state.

“It’s been brilliant to see how this program can make a difference in front of the school gates, now we’re working with the Department of Education on the other side of the school gates to deliver more in-school infrastructure, like bike and scooter parking.”

Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

“Ryde streets are busy with a lot of traffic congestion. By giving kids safer options to walk, ride or scoot to school, it will open these travel options up as a viable alternative to jumping in the car.

“It’ll be good for the kids who are out there getting active, and better for everyone else as more cars come off the streets.”

Executive Director of Active Transport Anna Bradley:

“Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while Transport’s community consultation revealed over 70 per cent of parents and carers ideally want to be walking to school with their children most days.

“In designing the program, Transport for NSW undertook extensive consultation with parents, carers and community groups which revealed there was a strong interest for children to use active transport more often, as it provides good exercise and quality family time.

“We also consulted with Aboriginal communities in Redfern, Tamworth and Bourke to understand their journey to school experiences and local perspectives.

“This program is making small but meaningful infrastructure and education interventions to make it easier for kids across the state to find active and independent ways to travel to school.”

Tenants in more than 1,000 NSW social housing properties are saving on their energy bills, thanks to energy efficient upgrades delivered by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

Backed with matched funding by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the $175 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is providing crucial upgrades to reduce energy bills, keep homes more liveable year-round, and lower emissions.

Upgrades include new heat pump hot water heaters, solar sharing systems, ceiling insulation, electric stoves and split system air conditioners.

Since the initiative’s launch in January this year, households in Regional NSW and Western Sydney have received these upgrades with more to be rolled out across the state.

The upgraded properties so far are a mix of NSW Government-owned and managed homes, along with those managed by Aboriginal community housing providers.

Approximately 24,000 social housing dwellings in NSW are set to benefit through the course of the initiative to June 2027.

SHEPI is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments including the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and both Aboriginal and Community Housing Providers.

Along with energy upgrades to their home, tenants are provided with information and guidance on how to best operate their home as efficiently as possible with the new features.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“The Albanese Government is driving down energy bills with social housing upgrades to help bring cost of living relief to some 24,000 NSW homes.

“Working with the Minns Government to deliver better energy performance in social housing means warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer and cheaper bills year-round.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:

“This milestone shows that the strong Albanese-Minns partnership is making a real difference right now for social housing tenants, who are among the least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades, and yet most affected by energy costs.

“The Albanese Government is making sure everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their homes.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:

“This program is a crucial initiative that demonstrates our commitment to improving the living conditions of social housing tenants in NSW.

“The installation of solar systems, heat pumps, and insulation across NSW social housing is a significant step towards creating homes that are more affordable to maintain and better equipped to withstand changing environmental conditions.”

For more information on the SHEPI program, visit Upgrades for Social Housing | NSW Climate and Energy Action.

The Asylum Seekers Centre will be able to expand primary care clinics and meet the increasingly complex health needs of some of Sydney’s most vulnerable residents, thanks to a grant of more than $1 million from the NSW Government.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced funding of $1.07 million over three years for the Centre, which will help employ more clinical staff to manage the growing number of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the asylum seeker community.

The funding will also help the Centre address the increasing need and cost of medicine for members of the community without access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Asylum Seekers Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1993 and offers practical and personal support to people seeking asylum. The Centre also provides primary healthcare services for people seeking asylum with limited Medicare eligibility through a specialist nurse-led health service with volunteer GPs and other specialists.

The Centre’s health service runs four GP clinics per week and has seen an 81 per cent increase in visits since June 2022. The complexity of visits has increased due to growing mental health presentations, an ageing population, and increased demand for pharmaceuticals, compounded by rising costs.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This funding will allow people seeking asylum to access critical healthcare services they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“Without access to the valuable work of the Asylum Seekers Centre, patients would often have nowhere else to turn but to our already busy emergency departments.”

Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:

“NSW settles a significant proportion of people fleeing conflicts in Australia. They are an important part of the NSW community and we must ensure they have access to the services they need.

“We are proud to support the Asylum Seekers Centre to facilitate access to essential primary health care to those who need it most.”

Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush OAM:

“The Asylum Seekers Centre Health Clinic relies on the support of the state government, as well as the generosity of our GPs, physiotherapists, and others who provide their services for free, including partner organisations that provide free access to optometry and dentistry.”

“The Asylum Seekers Centre is appreciative of both the Minister’s support for the Centre’s Health Clinic and the recognition of the often-precarious plight that people seeking asylum in our state face.”

“Without access to the Centre’s pharmaceutical services, many people seeking asylum would not have the means to access life-saving medication – a priority healthcare right for all.”

“This funding will go a long way to help address the great need in our community, enhancing the health and lives of people seeking asylum.”

The NSW Government is investing $10 million to make it safer and easier to walk and ride to 11 Illawarra stations.

The planned initiatives will include things like footpath upgrades, better lighting, new bicycle storage around stations for people who choose to walk or cycle to and from their homes and to other modes of transport.

More than $3 million of the investment will be used to build a two-way shared cycleway at Corrimal, which would stretch nearly one kilometre along Murray Road between Corrimal Station and Cawley Street. Corrimal will also see a new pedestrian refuge installed and additional bicycle racks outside the station.

Other stations to benefit from proposed upgrades include:

• Helensburgh will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. Footpaths will also be improved between the station and nearby bus stop, with a new refuge crossing installed across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between school and railway station.
• Stanwell Park will see new lighting and CCTV installed and footpaths upgraded.
• Scarborough will see including a new pedestrian refuge across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between the station and nearby school, improved footpath access between the station and bus stop and improvements to station stairs.
• Coledale will see stairs replaced with a ramp.
• Austinmer will see two pedestrian refuge crossings installed across nearby streets and a new sheltered bicycle storage space at both station entrances.
• Thirroul will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. The nearby bus stop will be improved so vehicles can overtake waiting buses.
• Bulli will see new sheltered bicycle storage installed, existing bicycle racks upgraded and more lighting.
• North Wollongong will see a new secure bicycle shed with CCTV installed.
• Coniston will see sheltered bicycle storage installed, new lighting and upgraded footpaths. Design work is also underway to make Coniston fully accessible.
• Dapto will see new sheltered bicycle stalling installed.

Twenty-eight projects have been identified and prioritised following extensive consultation with the community and other stakeholders.

Further consultation will take place with the community as the projects progress, with all of them expected to be completed between early next year and the first half of 2026.

The Transport Integration and Placemaking projects are being delivered through Transport for NSW’s Rail Service Improvement Program, in partnership with Wollongong City Council and Sydney Trains.

This announcement comes as Transport for NSW has approved an extension of Wollongong City Council’s shared e-scooter trial until 30 June 2025.

In the first 12 months of the trial with operator Neuron Mobility, 165,000 e-scooter trips were taken in the Wollongong local government area – with riders collectively clocking up over 316,000 kilometres, enough to ride around Australia over 20 times.

In addition to extending its trial, the council is also exploring options to expand the trial footprint, to support more people riding shared e-scooters to reach their destinations.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“This is an exciting and incredibly important investment for the people of Wollongong.

“Given there are 25 train stations in the Wollongong Local Government area, there is a growing need to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can connect to these public transport hubs as safely and easily as possible.

“Sheltered bicycle storage, new refuge crossings and street lighting with CCTV are just some of the many projects we will be rolling out to support the community.

“We know people in the Illawarra love active transport, so making it easier for people to make the most of these last mile connections is essential.

“Extending the Wollongong e-scooter trial until June next year is a big added bonus too.

“All of these small but meaningful investments dotted along the coast will make neighborhoods across the Illawarra better connected.”

the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park MP:

“It’s not every day that 11 trains stations receive much needed upgrades, but that’s exactly what is happening here in the Illawarra.

“These small and important investments will make it so much easier for families to access their station, and safely lock their bike up there for the day.

“Upgrades to lighting, footpaths and crossings will also go a long way to improving the overall safety and access for commuters and tourists alike.”

the Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

“I’ve said before Wollongong is the best city in the world to ride a bike, now it’s the best place to ride an e-scooter.

I am pleased that council is also exploring expanding the eScooter trial zone to potentially include Port Kembla and that’s really exciting.

“The upgrades to stations and improved connections to Corrimal Station will make for a better public transport experience for current and future residents.”

the Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP:

“After its recent accessibility upgrade, it’s exciting to see Dapto Station is once again receiving welcome investment from the Minns Labor Government. The new sheltered bike racks are a big win for our community and will make it easier to ride to the station, for those who want to.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP:

“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is the main artery connecting the villages along the coast. As a result, it’s incredibly busy and a challenge for pedestrians to cross. I really welcome the new pedestrian refuges that will make it safer for people to cross the road, as well as the other investments being made for our local stations.

“Works being undertaken at our train stations and roadways are crucial after they were neglected by the former Liberal National State government. The upgrades at Austinmer in particular, are changes I have campaigned on, I am thrilled the Minns Labor Government will be delivering these upgrades!”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Tania Brown:

“Projects like these upgrades to Murray Road, and other locations around Wollongong, will assist people to comfortably and safely walk, roll, cycle or scoot to and from train stations that link our city.

“We welcome the grant funding from the NSW Government and will continue to look for ways to collaborate with Transport for NSW to improve the public and active transport system across Wollongong.

“We’re pleased to see an extension of the trial to 30 June 2025 to allow Council to work with Transport for NSW to continue to learn about e-scooter use and the further opportunities the shared scheme offers to support e-micromobility across Wollongong.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales and increase protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with the commencement of electronic monitoring for alleged serious domestic violence offenders released on bail.

Earlier this year, the Government significantly tightened bail laws for people charged with serious domestic violence offences, forcing them to ‘show cause’ why they shouldn’t be detained. This change has made it harder than ever for alleged serious domestic violence offenders to get bail.

From today, any alleged serious domestic violence offender who is granted bail will be electronically monitored around the clock using GPS technology.

The new program allows Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) to track alleged offenders against geographic bail conditions.

These exclusion zones may include residential addresses, school and work locations, or suburbs or areas within a city for people in need of protection.

If an alleged offender enters a restricted zone, CSNSW’s electronic monitoring officers are immediately notified.

Corrections officers will contact NSW Police to advise that a potential breach of bail conditions has occurred and NSW Police can then respond.

This builds on the around-the-clock monitoring of certain offenders already conducted by Corrective Services NSW, including the monitoring of high-risk domestic violence perpetrators on parole orders or Intensive Correction Orders.

These tough new laws are one part of the NSW Government’s work to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The Government has also introduced legislation to create Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders. These new orders will allow the court to impose any conditions considered appropriate to prevent a person’s involvement in domestic abuse.

In addition, this legislation would create new offences covering repeated and intentional breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

Under earlier Minns Labor Government justice system reforms:

• The categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’ were expanded, with the accused remaining in custody while prosecutors challenge the decision to grant bail.
• For all domestic violence bail decisions, judges and magistrates must now consider, where relevant, domestic abuse risk factors and the views of victims and their family members.
• All bail decisions will be made by judges and magistrates.

The NSW Government delivered a $246 million package in the NSW Budget to address domestic, family and sexual violence through crisis response measures, early intervention, primary prevention, and justice system responses.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, please call the toll-free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au

Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The NSW Government is committed to curbing the unacceptable rate of domestic, family and sexual violence within our community, and monitoring alleged offenders is key to that.

“It’s harder now for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail, but if they do, these new monitoring devices ensure Corrective Services will be able to keep an eye on their movements.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Earlier this year the NSW Government toughened bail laws that raised the threshold and added additional factors to be considered before bail could be granted for alleged serious domestic violence offenders, placing the onus on them to show the court why their detention isn’t justified.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of alleged serious domestic violence offenders on remand, signalling these bail reforms are indeed working.

“Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime and one that the NSW Government will not tolerate.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Women, children, and others in danger deserve to live their lives in safety, free from the threat of domestic violence.

“Corrective Services NSW has the specialist knowledge and robust systems in place to help successfully expand existing electronic monitoring of offenders on parole or subject to community corrections orders to those on bail.

“This intense monitoring shows alleged domestic violence offenders how serious the government is about preventing domestic violence on all fronts.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Electronic monitoring of people accused of serious domestic violence while they are out on bail prioritises victim-survivors’ safety and ensures alleged perpetrators abide by their bail conditions.

“This is one part of a coordinated, multi-pronged response to addressing domestic and family violence in our state that includes earlier intervention and primary prevention.

“The NSW Government is also working with the sector and victim-survivors as we continue to provide holistic, trauma-informed, wraparound support for victim-survivors who are escaping violence.”

Acting Commissioner Corrective Services NSW Leon Taylor said:

“The expansion of our existing electronic monitoring system allows us to track serious alleged domestic violence offenders.

“In the case of a suspected breach our Corrective Services officers will immediately notify police so they can take action. 

“If we hold concerns for a person in need of protection, the Corrections team will be able to pick up the phone and alert them to a potential bail breach in real time, allowing them to enact their safety plan.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“Domestic and family violence disproportionately affects women, so it’s vital for the NSW Government to continue implementing reforms like this to better protect at-risk women across the community.

“These changes will give victim-survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support their safety planning while the matter is dealt with in the courts.”