16 News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to drive awareness about coercive control with new tailored campaigns for multicultural audiences, older people and people with disability.

Coercive control is domestic abuse and can cause serious harm.

It is a pattern of behaviour when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It can include physical violence and sexual abuse – but it doesn’t have to.

In NSW, it is a criminal offence when a person uses coercive control towards a current or former intimate partner.

Campaign expands to 5 new languages

Launching today, the multicultural campaign builds on the success of the previous year and uses the image of a spider’s web to reflect how coercive control traps victim-survivors over time with a pattern of behaviours designed to isolate, dominate and control them.

The campaign was developed in consultation with multicultural communities and will be translated into an additional five languages – Korean, Assyrian, Farsi, Punjabi and Tagalog – building on existing campaign materials in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Arabic released last year.

It will be seen and heard on social media, in newspapers, on the radio and in discreet locations like public bathrooms and women’s only cultural spaces.

Results from the earlier campaign showed a broad social media approach was effective in connecting with harder-to-reach audiences. Importantly, tailored material for each language group meant local organisations could promote the campaign across their own channels, increasing reach.

The first in-language campaign also achieved impact, reaching more than 664,000 members of Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking communities via Chinese apps, and more than 245,000 members of the Vietnamese- and Arabic-speaking communities on social media apps.

Campaign for seniors, people with disability

The campaign for older people and people with disability will commence Sunday 18 May with a focus on regional areas.

Advertisements in almost all regional news publications in New South Wales and on social media will feature real people who are older or who have disability, with information to promote an understanding of coercive controlling behaviours.

The scenarios depicted in the campaign will demonstrate what coercive control looks like so that people in the community can recognise what coercive control is, especially if they’re experiencing it or know someone who is.

Both campaigns aim to educate and empower victim-survivors to recognise the signs and seek help and provide practical information on where to go for culturally appropriate or relevant support.

The first coercive control awareness campaign was launched last year with extensive input and support from a wide range of stakeholders and communities.

More than 3 in 4 people who saw the campaign reported taking positive action such as reflecting on their own relationships and visiting the coercive control website for more information.

To find out more about coercive control, visit the NSW Government’s coercive control website. 

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Coercive control doesn’t always look the same, but its impact is always serious.

“For people with disability, coercive control can be difficult to recognise and escape – especially if they rely on the person using coercive behaviours for daily support.

“That’s why these campaigns are so important—so everyone can recognise the signs, know it’s not okay, and understand where they can go for help.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Coercive control is an insidious pattern of behaviour used by perpetrators of domestic violence to isolate and control victim-survivors.

“It is a crime for someone to use coercive control against a current or former partner.

“This awareness campaign is important to show people how to recognise the signs of coercive control and where to go for help.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone deserves the right to resources that help them recognise and understand that coercive control is a criminal offence. The NSW Government is continuing to work hard so that everyone has the same access to information – regardless of their linguistic preference.

“We need to make sure everyone understands that coercive control in intimate partner relationships is against the law.” 

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

“Coercive control can manifest in many ways and it’s difficult to recognise because it can look different in different relationships and different communities.

“But it is abuse and can cause significant harm to someone, so it’s vital that we reach as many people as possible and build awareness and understanding of coercive control in the community.

“We want people to know that coercive control in intimate partner relationships is a criminal offence, it is against the law, and perpetrators will be held to account.”

Support:

If you’re in immediate danger, call Triple Zero [000] and ask for Police.

If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800 RESPECT (Languages) for support and information. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

If you are worried about your behaviour, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. This is a free, confidential and anonymous service.

If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to contact the service you would like to speak to.

The Minns Labor Government is backing Aussie musicians by incentivising the biggest international musical touring acts to add a home-grown support act to their bill when they perform at NSW’s largest venues.

The effect will be a reduced venue hire fee at Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, the Sydney Cricket Ground and WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre, along with Sydney Opera House in return for choosing a local act to open the show.

Australian music is facing its biggest challenge up against streaming services that favour American content and the decline of the local live scene that eroded venues during the lockouts then the COVID era.

Under the former Coalition government, NSW lost more than half its music venues. with just 133 registered across the state in March 2023. The Minns Labor Government is reviving the live music scene and has since grown the number to 435 through extending trading for venues that host local artists, but there is a need to get acts back on to the biggest stage to ensure Australia can continue to export our best talent to the world.

The NSW Government is the first in Australia to adopt ‘Michael’s Rule’, named after the late artist manager Michael McMartin OAM whose passion was to see Aussie talent included on the stadium tours that take bands and solo artists to a whole new level and audience.

Oasis will tour Australia in October and November and have asked Australia’s Ball Park Music to open for them while Dua Lipa gave Kita Alexander invaluable exposure as her support act during her tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Supporting the biggest tours is a proven pathway to success. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers is now opening for Pearl Jam on a US stadium tour after doing so on their Australian tour. The Preatures, who supported Harry Styles, were able to book a 40-date regional tour as result.

Hoodoo Gurus, who were managed by Michael McMartin, saw their career take off after supporting Lou Reed in the 1980’s, while Cold Chisel opened for Foreigner in the 1970s. In the 1990s, You Am I played Australia shows with Soundgarden before touring the US with them, and the 2007 Daft Punk tour was crucial to the Presets and their Apocalypso album.

The incentive will see the NSW Government reduce the venue hire fee by $20,000 for each eligible show across the Venues NSW network, and a $5,000 reduction at Sydney Opera House.

To be eligible, at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international artist’s headline tour. The Australian artist must appear on the same stage as the international artist and be announced at the same time as the tour.

The incentive will be available for an initial two-year period starting May 5.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Hoodoo Gurus got their first big break after they performed with Lou Reed in 1984.

“We want more Australian musicians to have that opportunity, performing on the biggest stages in NSW alongside the best international artists.

“Giving Aussie artists their first big break in front of thousands of locals will help them get high rotation on playlists and increase their chances of becoming the next big act.”

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024. This represents a crisis for Australian music.

“The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through. By adopting Michael’s Rule we will get more local acts on to the big stage.

“While local shows are suffering, fans are still paying the big money for big international acts. Michael’s Rule will help our local artists capture that attention.

“We want Australian artists to benefit from international touring revenue so they can build their own careers and take our music to the world. Successful bands and artists at the top of the industry are an important part for the overall scene in NSW which supports 14,000 jobs and adds $5.5 billion to the state economy.”

Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs & Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“We are bringing the entertainment back to Sydney, last year we lifted the concert cap and now we have promoters currently holding enough dates for Allianz Stadium to fulfill the recently expanded concert cap. We want to see those dates locked in.

“To make the most of this uplift in entertainment, we want to see homegrown artists given the opportunity to grow their fanbase and the domestic music industry. The flow on effects of Michael’s Rule will be huge not only for the artists, but for the pubs and clubs around NSW which will be packed with the new fans of our homegrown artists.”

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:

“Australian artists are fighting an uphill battle with streaming services and social media algorithms when it comes to having their music be discovered by new audiences.

“This Australian-first policy is one small way the NSW Government can throw its weight behind home-grown talent, and give them a platform with high exposure and a unique opportunity to supercharge their career. It’s also a great way to start introducing music-loving locals to some of our amazing talent and build lifelong fans, right here at home.”

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers said:

“We are so happy to hear the news that the NSW Government are taking these steps to support Michael’s Rule. We received the news at the airport on our way to Nashville to support Pearl Jam so we are proof that having Australian artists on international tours at home really does impact careers. Hopefully other states will join the call!”

Ball Park Music said:

“There’s no denying the benefit of a big support slot. The opportunity to play your music live in front of a new audience is the best marketing we have as artists, the chance to showcase what we’re all about in the most real and authentic fashion.

“In our career to date, we’ve had – and continue to get – great support slots where we’ve seen a direct growth in our audience that often translates to a boost in our number of long-term fans, none of which would have discovered us without that exposure.

Any initiative that can help amplify Australian talent, increase exposure, and aid in building a long term and engaged audience is a massive step in the right direction.”

The Minns Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development Program (TOD) is unlocking more homes and supporting localised housing solutions around North Wollongong, Cockle Creek and St Marys station.

Wollongong City Council, Penrith City Council and Lake Macquarie Council have all delivered plans to the NSW Government that will supersede the number of homes created under the TOD controls, including dedicated affordable housing, close to public transport and jobs across the three sites.

Hundreds of new jobs will be created to build the new housing, along with local services, vital infrastructure, and public domain upgrades to each of the precincts to support an increase in density.

The TOD program changes planning controls within 400 metres of 37 trains stations across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter regions.

The TOD program was designed to deliver well-located homes, within walking distance of transport hubs. By building homes close to infrastructure, shops and jobs the Minns Government is building better communities.

Councils were given the opportunity to do their own local planning work and go above and beyond the TOD planning controls, however if councils missed their deadline, the TOD controls would be implemented.

Strategic planning work for each of the three sites will continue as the Minns Government looks to leverage government-owned land at Cockle Creek and St Marys.

The NSW Government will now work with each of the councils and the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) to progress strategic planning work.

To date, of the 37 sites, 28 have been adopted, with the final six to be finalised by early July 2025. There have been 34 development applications submitted across the Transport Oriented Development sites.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The proposals for these three precincts include:

North Wollongong (5,310 expected new dwellings)

Wollongong City Council has submitted an alternative site boundary that would avoid most flood-constrained land but deliver more dwellings as the TOD settings.

North Wollongong will now be transformed with capacity for new homes through amendments to the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) over the coming months.

Council has proposed amendments to the boundary of the precinct to avoid the most flood constrained land and ensure new high density residential development can be realised.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is working with Council to make sure heritage values are maintained and affordable housing is delivered as part of redevelopment in this precinct.

St Marys (9,300 expected new homes and 8,360 new jobs)

Penrith City Council has produced a detailed master plan for the broader St Marys town centre, which includes the TOD area, that aims to facilitate around 9,300 new homes and more than 8,360 new jobs in St Marys by 2041.

Council had been working on the master plan and consulting with community for some time, and formed an agreement with the NSW Government to continue this process. They will now continue to work closely with government to deliver the masterplan. Delivery is planned to commence in the coming months, following finalisation of the implementation mechanisms.

Council’s masterplan exceeds the NSW Government’s TOD SEPP dwelling targets and will also support light industries through a consolidated commercial core with co-working and creative hubs. A small portion of residential land is also proposed to be rezoned for future public open space.

Cockle Creek (1,200 expected new homes)

Lake Macquarie Council have been working with the NSW Government on long-term plans for the Cockle Creek TOD, including the site owned by the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) at Munibung Rd, Boolaroo.

HCCDC will shortly finalise a proposal to rezone the site, which falls partly within the TOD area for Cockle Creek. The proposal will include up to 1,200 new homes for the area.

HCCDC, Lake Macquarie Council and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will work together to finalise the proposed rezoning over the coming months.

For more information visit the transport Oriented Development Program web page.

Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry Prue Car:

“Penrith City Council has put forward a locally-led plan for the future of St Marys.

“This plan is about both housing and jobs, creating more opportunities for residents to work and live locally.

“We’re also making sure that the infrastructure growing communities need is delivered.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Over the next 15 years, the TOD SEPP program is estimated to deliver more than 170,000 new homes in mid-rise dwellings to create vibrant communities close to transport, services and jobs.

“These three sites have been strategically chosen to support increased density in well-positioned locations and we are already seeing strong interest in renewing these areas and adding density so that these well-located suburbs can be home to more families in the future.

“Each of these precincts now has an ideal opportunity to reshape and reimagine their communities with new modern public domain upgrades and increased patronage for local businesses.”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong City Council Councillor Tania Brown said:

“This project doesn’t just bring housing, it brings jobs, investment, and more customers for our local businesses. It’s a positive step forward for the North Wollongong community.

“We know Wollongong is growing, and it’s important we have the right types of housing in the right places. This plan means we can proactively and thoughtfully manage that growth while balancing the CBD lifestyle, access to transport links and managing flood risk.”

Mayor of Penrith City Council Todd Carney:

“Penrith City Council is proud to lead the way in delivering smart, sustainable growth for our region. Our plan for St Marys puts community needs front and centre, with around 9,300 new homes and more than 8,360 new jobs in St Marys by 2041.

“We’ve led a place-based, evidence-based process that is going to transform St Marys, and it’s shaping up to be something really special.

“Our ability to deliver a comprehensive plan within the government’s timeframe shows the strength of Council’s vision and commitment to Penrith’s future.

“We look forward to the government making the plans in the short term so we can get on and deliver.”

Mayor of Lake Macquarie Council Adam Shultz said:

“We’ve been working closely with the Minns Government to make sure Cockle Creek is a well-planned, future-ready neighbourhood that delivers new homes without compromising what makes our city great.

“It’s exciting to see this project moving forward. With HCCDC and the NSW Government on board, we’re one step closer to transforming underused land into a thriving new part of our city.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are providing safe, comfortable and modern housing for Sydney residents aged 55 and over, with 116 homes for seniors to be delivered by early next year thanks to Commonwealth funding through the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator Fund.

More than half of the builds have already been completed with 61 new social homes for seniors providing safe and secure housing for more than 90 residents. The most recent project has been finished in Northmead with 16 purpose-built units set to provide new homes for up to 24 residents.

More completed developments in Riverwood, Matraville and two in North Parramatta are providing modern and accessible homes for older tenants with a mix of one-and two-bedroom apartments,

A further 55 homes are underway and will be delivered over the next 12 months.

Three new developments featuring purpose-built units are currently under construction in Greater Sydney, with the next project in Parramatta slated for completion in June

The largest of the developments, a major social housing complex at Pagewood, is expected to be completed by March 2026 and will offer 33 homes for up to 50 senior residents.

Each of the homes have been designed to be accessible, support independent living and foster a sense of community for residents.

The NSW Government secured $610 million through the Federal SHAF, with $200 million directed to fast-tracked builds. These projects are expected to deliver around 400 new social homes across the state by the end of 2026, with housing for older people a key focus.

The new homes for seniors are spread across growing areas in Sydney’s west and inner east, with locations at Parramatta, North Parramatta, Northmead, Pagewood and Matraville. They are also conveniently located close to public transport, shops and health services to meet the needs of older people.

The construction of these senior living developments has created an estimated 300 jobs and are part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver around 1,500 social homes under the SHAF by June 2028.

This initiative forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to build 8,400 new public homes under the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the largest ever investment by an NSW Government into social housing in the state’s history.

Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O’Neil said:

“Each one of these homes will change the life of those Australians who will live there and their families, and in this case it means that 116 older Australians will have safe and secure housing.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are taking on the housing crisis by building thousands of social and affordable homes in our cities, suburbs and regions, but all that is at risk with Peter Dutton.

“These social and affordable homes represent 116 of the 55,000 that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering right across Australia.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“NSW has an ageing population, so we need to invest in social housing that is safe, secure and can accommodate the needs of older Australians. These projects are in prime locations across Sydney’s inner east and west and are desperately needed.

“Many older Australians live alone, which can create a sense of isolation and loneliness. These dedicated seniors housing complexes are designed not only to support the needs of older people, but also to create a sense of community and a place where residents can connect.

“By working closely with the Federal Government, we are delivering more social housing than ever before in NSW, and the Social Housing Accelerator Fund has been a key driver of this.”

NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“This investment in affordable, appropriate, and quality social housing will help more seniors looking for a comfortable lifestyle.

“We know women over the age of 55 are a particularly fast-growing cohort experiencing homelessness and more support is needed to help vulnerable people overcome financial barriers to stable housing.

“That’s why it’s so important for all levels of government to work together to deliver better housing outcomes for people where they need it.”

Breakdown of the senior social homes delivered under SHAF in the next 12 months:

Location	Number of units	Total resident capacity	Completion date
38 Methuen Parade Riverwood	11	up to 16	August 2024
289 Beauchamp Road, Matraville	10	Up to 15	October 2024
57 Bourke Street, North Parramatta	12	Up to 18	December 2024
1-5 Brown Street, North Parramatta	12	Up to 18	February 2025
2-8 Glenn Avenue, Northmead	16	Up to 24	May 2025
26 Rose Crescent, Parramatta	14	Up to 21	Due for completion June 2025
15-17 Combles Parade & 2-4 Hamel Road, Matraville	8	Up to 12	Due for completion July 2025
6-12 Dalley Avenue & 212-214 Banksia Street, Pagewood	33	Up to 50	Due for completion January 2026

‘Jobs for Mob’ is the goal of this year’s Gather and Grow information sessions, with the events bringing Aboriginal businesses and industry together to connect and learn about supply chain and employment opportunities on major NSW Government regional projects.

These events contribute to better economic development opportunities for Aboriginal workers and businesses across NSW and are part of the Government’s effort for ‘closing the gap’.

From May to August, seven ‘Gather and Grow’ sessions will be hosted in regional and metro NSW to help link local Aboriginal businesses with procurement information and support to get involved in significant NSW Government projects, developments and supply chains.

The first session, which will focus on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone project, will be held at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo on 2 May from 9am until midday.

Subsequent events will focus on further opportunities in Goulburn, Shellharbour, Cessnock and Bathurst, as well as Sydney and Western Sydney.

The free events bring together contractors, Government buyers, support services, local government and employment providers with Aboriginal businesses to help make connections, share information and support the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP).

The NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes is delivering five Gather and Grow events across regional NSW, with NSW Treasury leading two Sydney-based sessions in partnership with Department of Customer Service and Transport for NSW in 2025.

These events aim to help strengthen culture and identity by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within NSW to access education, training, employment and business support to reach their aspirations as part of the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5.

This year’s Gather and Grow events will be held in Dubbo, Goulburn, Shellharbour, Sydney, Cessnock, Bathurst, and Western Sydney. Interested guests need to register at Aboriginal businesses Gather and Grow events | info.buy.nsw.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“These Gather and Grow sessions are all about fostering the growth of Aboriginal businesses.

“The events unite NSW Government buyers with Aboriginal businesses, support services, and prospective job seekers to make connections and share information about work and procurement opportunities on large-scale projects.

“Representatives from major projects come and present about the opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and First Nations job seekers.

“These sessions will give interested parties the chance to learn about what’s involved, what they will need to know and what steps to take to put their best foot forward to work on these opportunities.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“We know that Aboriginal businesses want to grow and expand into new markets, and the NSW Government is keen to support these businesses on this journey.

“The Gather and Grow events will allow Aboriginal businesses to connect, share information, make connections and learn what opportunities are available.

“These events assist with our commitment to Closing the gap as NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity.”

NSW Treasury Associate Director Procurement Policy, Jeff Nelson said:

“The Gather and Grow series is designed to help Aboriginal businesses build relationships, share knowledge, and tap into government procurement pathways.

“By holding seven events in different regions, we’re aiming to connect with a wide network of businesses and ensure broad access to these opportunities.

“This initiative is all about supporting the growth of Aboriginal businesses— and we welcome everyone who’s interested in being part of that journey.”

Students and families from the Northern Rivers have welcomed the beginning of flood rebuild works at Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, with children from both schools set to return to permanent classrooms later this year.

Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School were damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, with students attending school in temporary facilities over the past three years. The new schools have been planned with flood-resilient designs, with buildings elevated above the previous flood height.

The projects will deliver new classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration spaces and external landscaping.

Both school rebuilds are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to move in later this year, weather permitting.

Condong Public School are preserving items significant to the local community, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques.

At Tumbulgum Public School, the old school bell will undergo restoration, and historical building materials will be re-used as part of the project.

Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin marked the beginning of works today, turning the first sods at both sites.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding public education in NSW so flood-impacted communities in the Northern Rivers are rebuilt with contemporary, flood-resilient facilities.

As part of this work, we have made a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including investing a historic $1.4 billion for schools in regional NSW.

A portion of the funding for flood rebuild projects is also allocated through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering flood-resilient schools in the Northern Rivers, and we are pleased to be rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, after years of patience by the community.

“The students and their families have demonstrated strength and patience throughout this process, and I want to thank them for their continued dedication to their local public school.

“The new Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School will be world-class schools, setting local children up for future success.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a moment of renewal and optimism for these school communities on the Tweed, as we celebrate the start of construction for the rebuilds of Tumbulgum and Condong public schools.

“The new schools will ensure that students have access to a safe, modern, and inspiring place in which to learn.

“Students, teachers and support staff, parents and caregivers, can look forward to their new schools coming to life and to the many academic, artistic and sporting achievements that will unfold.”

Condong Public School Relieving Principal Debbie Francis said:

“Over the coming months, we are excited to see the groundwork and structure of our new school coming together and bringing us closer to a fresh start.

“After enduring the challenges of the past few years, we are looking forward to a renewed sense of stability and progress.

“We look forward to watching our new school rise from the ground, and even more so to the day we can welcome our students back to a place they can truly call their own.”

Tumbulgum Public School Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are excited to welcome the start of construction on our new school, marking a significant milestone in our journey to rebuild and restore a vital part of our community.

“The resilience shown by our students, staff, and families throughout this process has been remarkable, and I am so proud of how we have supported each other.

“With each step forward, we move closer to returning to a school that reflects the strength, spirit, and future of Tumbulgum.”

People in Canowindra and surrounding areas are a step closer to enhanced, integrated community healthcare services, with a contractor now appointed to build the $8.3 million Canowindra HealthOne facility. 

The Canowindra HealthOne will accommodate a range of providers, including local General Practitioners (GPs) and community healthcare services, integrating a range of healthcare services in one location on the hospital site.

Zauner Construction has been engaged to build the new facility following a competitive tender process.

With the contract awarded, the next steps of the project involve finalising the detailed design and architectural plans.

Construction of the Canowindra HealthOne facility is expected to begin in the coming weeks and be complete in early 2026.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m delighted we have reached this milestone for the new Canowindra HealthOne.

“It is terrific to see the project progressing, bringing the community much closer to integrated healthcare services.

“With integrated primary and community care services in a purpose-built facility and the hospital next door, the new HealthOne will create a seamless transition as people move between hospital, primary and community care.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“The new Canowindra HealthOne will significantly improve community access to care and reduce the need for people to travel.

“A brand-new, modern health facility which has room to expand will also provide opportunities for new healthcare professionals to move into the community.”

Canowindra Health Services Manager, Matt McGrath:

“With demolition and final works to prepare the site for construction complete and Zauner Construction now appointed for the main works, we’ve reached a really exciting stage of the process for such an important development.

“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community throughout this process, and I’m thrilled we are a huge step closer to delivering a brand-new, purpose-built facility for everyone in Canowindra and the surrounding areas.

“Our project team is putting plans in place to ensure everyone’s safety during construction. This will include extensive traffic management plans which may cause some slight disruption as you’d expect with any major redevelopment.”

Carol Mudford, renowned mental health advocate and founder of non-for-profit organisation sHedway, was announced as the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award overnight.

Starting off as a small community-led initiative in Dubbo NSW in 2023, sHedway has expanded into a national movement, with Carol promoting mental health awareness by blending healthcare, advocacy, and shearing industry expertise in regional communities in NSW and around Australia.

Carol was up against two other finalists for the NSW/ACT state award – Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, and Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business Wall’s Honey Co.

As winner of the award, Carol will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to go towards professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Carol will now represent NSW/ACT at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The National winner will receive a further $20,000 grant from Westpac and National Runner-Up, an additional $15,000.

All three finalists were sponsored by The Country Women’s Association of NSW, each receiving $1,000 for their self-founded organisations.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates and empowers women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia.

The 2026 Rural Women’s Award nominations will open in September 2025. Find out more information about the Rural Women’s Award, including nomination requirements on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award web page.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional, rural and remote women are provided access and opportunities to thrive. This includes programs to support their return to work and economic advancement, health and wellbeing, and empowerment.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Congratulations to Carol for your determination to supporting the wool industry into a new, more resilient era.

“Your pioneering efforts have succeeded, and we congratulate you for your well-deserved title as winner of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“I encourage any woman with a dream to make a positive impact in their regional and rural communities in NSW to be inspired by Carol.

“Her hard work has personally helped the lives of many shearers, giving the industry a well-supported network to grow.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We are incredibly proud to have Carol taking out the top honour and going on to represent New South Wakes on the national stage.

“She is highly deserving of this award with her incredible achievements supporting regional communities in New South Wales and around the country.

“sHedway is a perfect example of how women can pursue their passion and meet the needs of their community in an innovative way.

“Regional and rural women as some of the smartest and most resilient women I know, and they are unwavering in dedicating their time in supporting their communities to succeed.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said:

“It is very exciting to see Carol announced as the NSW/ACT state winner. As a woman wearing many hats in the industry, it is inspiring to see her marrying up her expertise as a healthcare provider, shearer, and wool handler to create meaningful change for rural and regional communities.

“Mental health support and suicide prevention is a critical service required by our industries and their people and I praise Carol for her dedication and commitment to the prosperity of our industries. We look forward to supporting Carol and sHedway to support others, via her involvement in this award.”

Northern NSW Regional General Manager, Regional Commercial and Agribusiness for Westpac, Andy Kidd said:

“Congratulations to Carol on being named the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. At Westpac, we recognise the key role rural and regional women play in building stronger, more connected communities.

“Carol’s dedication to fostering conversations about mental health in regional communities is remarkable. By drawing on her allied health experience to improve support, particularly in the wool industry, she’s proven what’s possible when women are empowered to lead change, and we’re proud to support her journey.”

2025 NSW/ACT winner

Carol Mudford (Dubbo)

Carol is a Registered Nurse, shearer, and wool handler from Dubbo, NSW. She founded her non-pro-profit organisation sHedway in 2023, which is dedicated to suicide prevention and positive mental health in Australia’s shearing industry.

Carol’s discovery of her passion for shearing in 2020, led her to shearing full-time and she represented NSW as State Novice Champion at the 2023 Sports Shear Nationals. After returning to healthcare as a mental health nurse, she recognised the prevalence of suicide in the shearing community, and the opportunity for change.

With her knowledge of suicide prevention, Carol created sHedway which rapidly grew into a national movement. During 2024, her team delivered 42 events across every state of mainland Australia, promoting mental health awareness and skills at shearing events, talks and industry engagement. Combining her healthcare, advocacy, and shearing expertise, Carol is committed to making mental health a priority in the shearing community.

Learn more about sHedway.

2025 NSW/ACT Finalists

Dimity Smith (Tamworth)

Dimity Smith from Tamworth NSW is a registered psychologist and the founder of two businesses, GRO Rural and GRO Events Group. These innovative businesses connect agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia.

Dimity combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to empowering rural and agricultural communities and helps people in these communities to have greater choice in the work they do, skills to deliver best business practice, and confidence in their abilities.

Dimity’s business GRO Rural was created to focus on challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. These include sustaining remote and contract employment to ensure the longevity of workers, particularly in the dairy industry. This interest was inspired by Dimity’s childhood experience on her parent’s dairy farm. Dimity grew up learning the valuable lesson of hard work and thinking outside the box, which shaped her passion for supporting the sustainability of all agricultural industries and the essential people who keep them thriving.

Learn more about GRO Rural and GRO Events.

Katelyn Wall (Nemingha)

Katelyn Wall is a qualified radiation therapy educator and co-founder of Wall’s Honey Co., an award-winning beekeeping and pollination business based in Nemingha, NSW. Katelyn’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community education led her to build her business around the vital role that bees play in the ecosystem and food supply.

Katelyn’s journey into educational outreach began three years ago when she was invited to lead an interactive beekeeping session at her daughter’s preschool. This hands-on workshop inspired her to start her business focusing on educating children about pollination and its essential role in food production with programs for preschools and community organisations.

Katelyn has expanded the workshops to include interactive beekeeping and beeswax wrap workshops and has extended the reach of her program to aged care facilities, scouts, local gardening clubs, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), and other community groups. Through these initiatives, Katelyn continues to inspire a love for bees, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Learn more about Wall’s Honey Co.