Expanded support for Australian defence industry through $US3 Billion finance facility

Today, the Albanese Labor Government is pleased to announce the $US3 billion Defence Industry Growth Facility, which will ensure that the Australian defence industry can continue to grow and compete on a global scale.

Through the new Defence Industry Growth Facility, the Government will provide loans, bonds, guarantees and equity to support new export opportunities, to expand or upgrade facilities, and to develop new capabilities aligned with Defence priorities.

The new Facility modernises and expands the scope of the previous Defence Export Facility and will now support projects that prioritise sovereign defence capabilities and self-reliance.

The Government is committed to ensuring the Defence Industry Growth Facility is more flexible and responsive to industry needs, particularly small and medium enterprises that require timely access to finance. It is designed to crowd in private sector finance and complement other Commonwealth financing mechanisms.

The Defence Industry Growth Facility will be administered on the National Interest Account by Export Finance Australia.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:

“The Defence Industry Growth Facility responds to the needs of our defence sector. We are supporting our world-class defence businesses to thrive in international markets while delivering sovereign defence capabilities at home.

“The idea is that we are spurring on the private sector too, crowding in investment to support our defence sector.

“By backing the Australian defence industry, we are meeting the demands of Australian national security and supporting Australian jobs and businesses.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Sovereign defence capability is essential for our nation’s security. The Defence Industry Growth Facility will build self-reliance and help attract private finance to the defence sector.

“This is about supporting Australian innovation, unlocking export-driven growth, and accelerating our capacity for producing home-grown capability for a Future Made in Australia.”

Australia’s response to Nepal-China floods

The Australian Government is rapidly mobilising consular and humanitarian support in response to the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border, including through a $5 million assistance package for affected communities.

We understand at least 39 Australians are among those reported missing. Australian officials are working urgently to confirm their welfare and provide assistance to those affected.

The extraordinary scale of this disaster and the remoteness of the affected region mean immense challenges lie ahead for the response and recovery.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is deploying additional personnel to support Australians affected by the disaster.

In addition to the staff at the Australian Embassy in Nepal, a Crisis Response Team (CRT) member and a Regional Consular Officer have been deployed and are on the ground in Kathmandu. Further regional and CRT surge support are being prepared for deployment.

The Government will send an initial team of three humanitarian response specialists within the next 48 hours to help Australian staff already on the ground.

Drawn from the Australia Assists program, the Rapid Response Team has expertise in humanitarian assessment, logistics, communications and planning.

As part of the response, the Australian Government will provide $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support urgent disaster response and recovery efforts.

The funding will be delivered through established partners to provide support such as food, emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation.

These floods have devastated communities along both sides of the border, sweeping away villages, damaging critical infrastructure, and leaving thousands displaced.

With roads and bridges destroyed, many communities remain isolated and difficult to reach, underscoring the need for rapid humanitarian assistance.

Australia’s assistance includes:

  • $2 million to the World Food Programme, which has already dispatched food rations and provided logistics support for Nepal’s emergency response.
  • $2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to provide support such as emergency shelter, hygiene kits, blankets, medical support and psychosocial support.
  • $1 million to the Emergency Action Alliance to support locally-led recovery and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.

Australians wishing to donate should visit the Emergency Action Alliance webpage.

Joint Statement on the Tenth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Meeting

  1. Australian and Indonesian Foreign and Defence Ministers met for the Tenth Australia-Indonesia Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Meeting on 26 August 2026 in Melbourne.
  2. Australia and Indonesia share a longstanding and constructive relationship as neighbours, partners and friends. Ministers agreed the Australia-Indonesia relationship is at a high point, and acknowledged the importance of our partnership in a deteriorating geostrategic environment. Ministers underscored our common security was a collective responsibility, and that both countries benefited from the other’s stability, resilience and sense of security.
  3. Ministers noted this was the first 2+2 following the landmark Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security (the “Jakarta Treaty”), which recognised our common commitment to the peace and stability of the region and our enduring trust. They reaffirmed the Jakarta Treaty built on the 2006 Lombok Treaty and its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of both countries, and was complementary to the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), signed in 2024. Ministers looked forward to the completion of both Australia’s and Indonesia’s domestic processes to progress the Jakarta Treaty’s entry into force.
  4. Ministers welcomed Australia’s budget announcement of AUD 33.2 million to support the implementation and institutionalisation of the Jakarta Treaty, including to strengthen Australia-Indonesia mutual understanding and capability, namely in Indonesian language proficiency, institutional ties, and enhanced cooperation on cyber, maritime and economic security and resilience. Ministers welcomed the launch of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Grants Program 2026-27, which will fund up to AUD 2.5 million in new projects to strengthen Australia’s Indonesia capability.
  5. Ministers welcomed progress on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025-2029 (CSP POA), and noted the strong momentum in bilateral cooperation over the past year. They commended the breadth and depth of cooperation across the relationship, spanning economic, development, people-to-people, defence, security, maritime and regional domains.
  6. Ministers looked forward to the inaugural Australia-Indonesia Leadership Dialogue, bringing together senior leaders from across the bilateral relationship, in the coming year.

Building economic resilience and shared prosperity

  1. Recalling the significant economic challenges generated by geopolitical developments, including the conflict in the Middle East, growing uncertainty in the global trading system, and disruptions to international supply chains, Ministers noted the importance of mitigating risk and supporting economic growth, stability and prosperity.
  2. Ministers welcomed the recent visits of Vice Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno to Australia (July 2026) and of Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP to Indonesia (July 2026), for discussions on responding to global uncertainty and economic resilience.
  3. Australian Ministers thanked Indonesia for working with industry to support the 250,000 tonne agricultural-grade urea supply deal between Incitec Pivot and PT Pupuk Indonesia. Ministers also noted that Australian supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) had increased at least three-fold between 2025 and 2026 to help meet Indonesian demand. They agreed this was a tangible demonstration of our mutual support in the spirit of the “good neighbours” policy, especially in times of economic challenge and disruption, and in enhancing regional food and energy security.
  4. Ministers highlighted the importance of cooperation to strengthen economic resilience, food security and energy security. They welcomed the visit of senior Indonesian officials (June 2026) to discuss economic security and resilience issues, and the inaugural Economic Security Track 1.5 Dialogue (April 2026).
  5. Ministers announced several economic resilience initiatives including: ongoing policy exchange on shared challenges; cooperation on analytic approaches to enhance the resilience of critical supply chains; and a new Australia Awards short course on economic security and resilience. Ministers also reemphasised the importance of working together to support regional economic resilience, including through investment in critical supply chains.
  6. Ministers welcomed the launch of the second phase of the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Sustainable Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK, 2026-2035), a flagship AUD 600 million partnership established to support sustainable infrastructure and climate investment across Indonesia over a ten-year period.
  7. Ministers welcomed ongoing efforts to increase two-way trade and investment with Indonesia and the region, including as part of Australia’s implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
  8. Ministers welcomed the signing of the MoU between Australia and the Indonesian Sovereign Wealth Fund Danantara (February 2026). Through technical partnerships, executive education, and business matching, the MoU will facilitate cooperation and information sharing, to identify opportunities for increased two-way investment, enhancing our shared economic security and resilience.
  9. Ministers acknowledged the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and its record in driving trade and investment between our economies. They welcomed the progress on the General Review of IA-CEPA and the launch of the second phase of the Katalis economic cooperation program, which will continue to support the implementation of the agreement. Ministers welcomed the signing of the MoU on Cooperation on Halal Product Assurance in July 2026. Australian Ministers reiterated their support for Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to accede to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
  10. Ministers welcomed strong collaboration in science and research, building on the visit by Australia’s Chief Scientist to Indonesia in July 2026, and acknowledged the opportunities to cooperate on space and to deepen cooperation on nuclear science for peaceful purposes.
  11. Ministers welcomed plans for a defence industry trade delegation visit to Indonesia, to drive greater cooperation in defence industry on areas of mutual interest. 

Working together for our common security

  1. Ministers noted sharpening strategic competition continued to impact our region across multiple, interlinked domains. They agreed our geostrategic environment called for ever closer consultation on a wider array of security and defence challenges and responses, underpinned by the Jakarta Treaty. Ministers agreed to explore ways to further institutionalise direct, high-level consultation under the Jakarta Treaty and tasked officials to develop options.
  2. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to internationally agreed rules and norms, which are critical to ensuring a region where strategic competition is managed responsibly, sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected, where countries can freely and independently make decisions in their own interests, and disputes are managed peacefully in accordance with international law. Ministers underscored the need to manage strategic competition responsibly and the importance of ongoing dialogue.
  3. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to progress towards a world without nuclear weapons and a region free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, including through the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
  4. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and Indonesia’s shared commitment to strengthening regional resilience and reducing the risks of miscalculation and misunderstanding that could escalate into crisis or conflict. They welcomed ongoing cooperation on conflict prevention under the Partnership for Peace and Stability, including the successful inaugural Senior Officials’ Talks and 1.5 Track Dialogue in August 2026.
  5. Ministers welcomed new maritime cooperation under the maritime pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Plan of Action, including the provision of aerial drones and training to the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) to increase Indonesia’s maritime domain awareness.
  6. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Ministers agreed to continue working together, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms and support for implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security, to advance inclusive approaches to peace and security.
  7. Ministers noted efforts under our MoU on Enhanced Cyber Security and Critical Technology Cooperation to strengthen cyber resilience of our countries and our region. Ministers welcomed increased cooperation on cybercrime, critical infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI). Ministers noted Australia and Indonesia were increasing practical defensive cyber cooperation throughout our military exercises.
  8. Ministers noted that 2027 will mark a quarter of a century co-chairing the Bali Process and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to regional cooperation to counter people smuggling, human trafficking, and related transnational crime. They further noted the importance of close and ongoing operational cooperation, including on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
  9. Ministers underscored the enduring value of bilateral cooperation in preventing and responding to terrorism, including through information sharing, capacity building and operational collaboration.
  10. Ministers welcomed the continued growth of bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening of the institutional relationship between our defence forces. Australian Ministers welcomed Indonesia’s participation at Exercise Pitch Black (July 2026). Ministers looked forward to upcoming exercises including Exercise Super Garuda Shield (August 2026), the second iteration of Exercise KERIS WOOMERA (October 2026), and Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo in 2027, which will increase interoperability in support of our common security interests.
  11. Ministers looked forward to the swift completion of Indonesia’s processes to enable the entry into force of the Defence Cooperation Agreement and noted ongoing implementation efforts to give practical effect to the agreement.

Regional resilience through partnership

  1. Ministers reaffirmed efforts to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and reinforce an open, transparent, resilient, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law, with ASEAN at the centre. Ministers underscored the vital role of ASEAN in promoting peace, preventing conflict, and ensuring stability and prosperity in the region. Ministers welcomed the 2025 ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders’ Statement on Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management in the ASEAN-led Regional Architecture and committed to its effective implementation. They reaffirmed their commitment to the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Australian Ministers welcomed Indonesia’s ongoing support as Australia’s ASEAN Country Coordinator.
  2. Ministers expressed concerns about actions that raise tensions and risk miscalculation in the South China Sea and other vital waterways. Ministers emphasised the obligation of all states to adhere to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and agreed maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law.
  3. Ministers underscored the critical importance of international trade and of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security and freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with international law. They emphasised the universal and unified character of UNCLOS and reaffirmed its role as the comprehensive legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas. They further stressed that any Code of Conduct in the South China Sea must be consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
  4. Ministers expressed concern about destabilising actions that raise the risk of miscalculation in the region and re-affirmed expectations that all regional partners maintain safe and professional conduct, follow established best practice procedures, and act transparently when it comes to strategic intent and military capabilities.
  5. Ministers agreed the geostrategic environment increasingly required likeminded countries to exert their agency in support of regional peace, stability and prosperity. Ministers discussed and encouraged the establishment of a Partnership for Regional Resilience that will contribute further to resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership would complement our deep engagement in the region through bilateral and ASEAN-led regional architecture.
  6. Ministers welcomed the renewal of the MoU Concerning Trilateral Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries, including agreement to cooperate in areas including disaster risk management and humanitarian response, climate resilience and the energy transition.
  7. Ministers reaffirmed the important role of cross-regional collaboration in championing multilateral solutions to global challenges. Australia, as Chair of MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia), shares with its partners a commitment to strengthening multilateralism and upholding international law. Ministers reaffirmed that MIKTA countries remain committed to the multilateral system and contributing constructively to international efforts on global issues.
  8. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing Australia-Indonesia-India trilateral cooperation to exchange views and collaborate on common challenges.
  9. Ministers noted the recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Ministers further noted the Quad’s unwavering support for ASEAN centrality, and its ongoing commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
  10. Ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and reaffirmed the importance of implementing ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. The Ministers called for concrete action to end violence, allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and engage constructively in inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders.

Facing global challenges

  1. Ministers noted that we were seeing global conflict and competition on multiple fronts. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding rules, norms and the integrity of the multilateral system, and continued cooperation within multilateral institutions. Institutions had to remain efficient, effective, inclusive and transparent. Ministers acknowledged the need to continue discussions on ambitious UN reform.
  2. Ministers reiterated their support for an open, rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, and to this end, noted Indonesia’s hosting of an ASEAN roundtable on WTO reform (August 2026).
  3. Ministers reiterated their longstanding support for de-escalation and an end to the Middle East conflicts, including in Palestine and Lebanon. Ministers called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, demonstrate good faith and return to meaningful dialogue, and ensure the protection of civilians and their infrastructure. Ministers agreed restoring navigational freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz and other straits in the region remained critical to the stability of international supply chains and global energy markets, particularly in our region.
  4. Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Ministers called on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence and hold perpetrators to account. They reaffirmed their position that Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements continues to present a major obstacle to peace and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. They reiterated that any annexation or expansion of settlements would violate international law and undermine long term peace and stability. Ministers expressed concern at continued violence, and limitations on humanitarian assistance, in Palestine. 
  5. Ministers called on all parties to uphold their obligations under UNSC resolution 2803 and to implement the Gaza Peace Plan in good faith and without delay. Ministers expressed their ongoing support for work to assist the Palestinian Authority in meeting its reform commitments. Ministers noted the successful trilateral Education Dialogue in April 2026 and welcomed the forthcoming Law Enforcement Dialogue in September. They committed to joint cooperation in these areas by sharing Australia and Indonesia’s experience with the Palestinian Authority and building momentum toward wider recognition of a Palestinian State.
  6. Ministers recommitted to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, now endorsed by 122 countries. They expressed deep concern at the incidents, fatalities, and restrictions affecting humanitarian personnel. Ministers condemned attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that cost lives and injured peacekeepers from Indonesia, Ghana, Nepal, Poland, France and Serbia.
  7. Ministers discussed the war against Ukraine and reaffirmed their respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. They underscored their commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter. Ministers underscored the importance of inclusive and peaceful resolution of the conflict, and for all prisoners of war to be treated and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Ministers called for support from the international community to de-escalate and end the war.
  8. As founding members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ministers expressed their strong support for the IAEA’s mandate in nuclear verification. Ministers welcomed the continued engagement between Australia and Indonesia on AUKUS and committed to sustained dialogue and transparency as cooperation under AUKUS advances. Ministers acknowledged the IAEA as the competent body to ensure the full, impartial, independent and objective implementation of safeguards obligations of its Member States, including in relation to naval nuclear propulsion, in accordance with the IAEA Statute and respective safeguards agreements. In this context, Ministers reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the global non-proliferation regime.
  9. Ministers looked forward to the next Annual Leaders’ Meeting between Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo.
  10. Indonesian Ministers expressed their sincere gratitude to Australian Ministers for their warm welcome and hospitality during the Tenth 2+2 Meeting.

Bird Flu Funding Must Support Vets

Responding to the announcement yesterday of an additional $125 million by the Commonwealth Government to support the response to H5 bird flu, Senator Faruqi has written to Minister Watt calling for funding to support veterinarians on the front line.

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Animal Welfare:

“We are all deeply concerned about the potential for bird flu to severely impact multiple native species, including sea lions, penguins and other native birds, possibly to the point of extinction.

“I welcome the additional funding announced by the Commonwealth Government, but it seems once again frontline veterinarians are being left out.

“I continue to hear stories of vets being left high and dry on the frontlines with no support. They shouldn’t have to bear the significant financial burden of this national emergency alone.

“Vets have for too long been left to care for wildlife brought to their clinics with little or no financial support. I support the Australian Veterinary Association’s calls for a $7.5 million pilot program to support vets caring for animals right now. This is especially important as they confront this growing threat of bird flu.

“With the risk of events like bird flu set to get worse, vets must be supported now and into the future. The Government must extend Commonwealth Practical Payments to vet students who have been so far excluded, but who will be the ones called on to respond to the next outbreak to save our wildlife.”

New intake of intensive care paramedics for NSW

This week, 10 highly skilled Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have been deployed across NSW after successfully completing a 27-week specialist training program, further strengthening the state’s frontline critical care capability.

Throughout the program, the ICPs undertook education and supervised clinical training, building the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to provide specialist care to some of the state’s most critically ill and injured patients.

As specialist emergency clinicians, ICPs are trained to perform complex medical procedures in challenging, high-pressure environments. Their role requires exceptional clinical judgement, technical expertise and close collaboration with other emergency services and healthcare professionals.

ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management and provide life-saving interventions for patients suffering severe trauma, brain injuries, major cardiac emergencies and other life-threatening conditions that require advanced pre-hospital care.

These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Alice Hollowood, who has spent most of her nine-year career serving regional communities in the Hunter New England area after relocating from the Sunshine Coast to join NSW Ambulance.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential services by recruiting more health staff, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.

There are currently 878 trained ICPs operating across NSW, 431 of which are in regional areas of the state.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Becoming an Intensive Care Paramedic is a significant achievement that reflects years of dedication, resilience and clinical excellence.

“These clinicians have developed the advanced skills needed to care for our most critically ill and seriously injured patients, and they should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.

“Our health system grows stronger with the addition of these highly trained specialist paramedics.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“These clinicians are now equipped to provide a broader range of advanced interventions, improving outcomes for patients experiencing the most serious medical emergencies and traumatic injuries.

“Their expertise not only benefits patients but also strengthens the capability of our frontline workforce through clinical leadership, mentoring and collaboration.

“I am incredibly proud to welcome these new specialist paramedics, providing world class skills that contribute to better patient outcomes.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Alice Hollowood:

“Completing this course has been a highlight of my career so far. I have gained invaluable skills, formed lasting friendships with colleagues who supported each other every step of the way, and have been lucky enough to share the experience with my best mate.”

“I wanted to challenge myself to take the next step in my career and pursue training to become an intensive care paramedic. Working in regional areas has shown me how important advanced clinical skills truly are, and I wanted to be able to provide that high level of care.”

NSW Government refers emerging combat sports to parliamentary inquiry

The NSW Government has referred emerging forms of combat and collision sports to the NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues for inquiry. The inquiry will examine whether NSW’s regulatory framework is keeping pace with emerging activities and whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains fit for purpose.

The referral comes as new and emerging forms of combat and collision-based activities gain attention in Australia, including bareknuckle boxing, power slap and other formats.

Recent reports of organised underground and backyard fight events in NSW have also highlighted questions about whether existing laws are able to effectively regulate these activities and protect participants.

The Committee will consider:

  • whether emerging activities including collision sports, bareknuckle boxing and power slap should be characterised and regulated as combat sports, or another category, to ensure appropriate participant protections and public safety;
  • whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains suitable to regulate emerging activities, underground fight clubs and other comparable activities;
  • regulatory approaches adopted in other Australian and international jurisdictions;
  • legislative and regulatory reforms needed to improve participant safety, strengthen harm minimisation and ensure appropriate oversight;
  • reforms needed to improve the investigation and regulation of organised underground and backyard fight clubs, including activities that seek to circumvent the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW); and
  • any other related matter.

The inquiry will provide an opportunity to consider whether changes are needed to ensure NSW has a clear and effective regulatory framework as new forms of combat and collision-based activities emerge.

Submissions to the inquiry can be made via the NSW Parliament website here.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We need to make sure our laws keep pace with the way collision and combat sports are evolving.

“This inquiry will look at the activities emerging in NSW, how they are regulated elsewhere and whether our current framework provides the protections participants and the community expect.

“Importantly, it will also examine underground and backyard fight clubs and whether organisers are finding ways around existing regulation.

“The safety of participants and the public must remain the priority of how we regulate combat sports in NSW.”

Turning up the volume for Wollongong’s Yours & Owls festival

The Minns Labor Government is backing live music and local businesses in Wollongong, with major event funding confirmed for Yours & Owls Festival for a second year.

More than 15,000 music fans are expected to descend on Wollongong over the October long weekend, bringing millions of dollars in spending to the city’s pubs, restaurants, hotels and local businesses.

Over 80 artists will take over Flagstaff Hill and venues across the city, with G Flip, Ball Park Music and PNAU on the bill, alongside an Australian-exclusive appearance from bbno$.

The two-day festival is expected to inject more than $4 million into the local visitor economy.

It’s a huge evolution for an event that started as a small community festival in 2014.

The Minns Labor Government is backing Yours & Owls as it continues that growth, helping turn a home-grown Wollongong festival into an event capable of attracting music fans from across Australia.

Yours & Owls has previously received support through the Destination NSW-managed Regional Event Fund and is now receiving major event funding for the second year, along with support from Sound NSW’s Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund.

The investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s push to build a strong calendar of major events across NSW, supporting live music while giving people more reasons to visit regional communities and spend with local businesses.

And Wollongong is showing exactly why that investment matters.

The city hosted 26 major events in 2025-26, attracting more than 42,800 visitors and generating $41.4 million in direct economic impact.

Destination NSW-supported events in Wollongong in 2026 include the Women’s NSW Open Championship, Wings Over Shellharbour and the Rugby League World Cup.

Yours & Owls Festival will take place from 3-4 October 2026 at Flagstaff Hill and venues across Wollongong. For more information and to book tickets, go to the Yours and Owls Festival website.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park:

“Yours & Owls is a great example of what can happen when a home-grown festival is given the opportunity to grow. What started as a small community event is now attracting some of Australia’s biggest artists and thousands of visitors from across the country.

“Labor is proud to be backing the festival for a second year and helping put Wollongong on the map as a destination for live music and major events.

“With more than 15,000 people expected to attend and more than $4 million forecast to flow into the local visitor economy, this is about supporting the vibrancy of our city and creating opportunities for local businesses.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Labor backs live music, and we back events that bring people into our regional cities and put money through the doors of local businesses.

“Yours & Owls is a great Wollongong success story. It started as a small community festival and has grown into a major event attracting thousands of music fans to the Illawarra.

“When 15,000 people come into town for a festival, they’re not just buying a ticket. They’re booking hotel rooms, grabbing dinner, heading to the pub and spending with local businesses.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is backing events like Yours & Owls. They create a great weekend for music fans while supporting local jobs and businesses at the same time.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

”The Yours & Owls Festival has grown from a backyard idea into one of the best weekends on the calendar for our city, and this is something the whole community can be proud of.

“Locals know what this festival means for our city. It fills our pubs, cafes and hotels, it gives our hospitality workers a boost, and it shows off everything that makes Wollongong a great place to live and visit.

“I want to thank Adam, Ben and the Yours & Owls team for everything they do to bring this festival to life, and I encourage everyone in Wollongong to get behind it and show our visitors why this is such a special part of the world – I’ve already bought my ticket.

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“Yours & Owls has become one of the Illawarra’s biggest entertainment drawcards, bringing thousands of visitors into the region.

The major event funding helps the festival keep growing while boosting the local economy through the increase in visitor spending during the festival.

It’s a major win for the whole Illawarra community, strengthening the region’s reputation as a home for major events, and offering an opportunity for our amazing local Illawarra artists to showcase their talent.

For local artists, Yours & Owls is a springboard to national and international stages, helping them reach new audiences and build their careers.”

Adam Smith, Director of Yours & Owls:

“Yours & Owls has always been about bringing great live music to Wollongong and giving people another reason to visit our city.

We’re incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s continued support in helping us do that.

This year we’re excited to bring together an incredible lineup and welcome music fans from across NSW and Australia to Wollongong for a huge weekend of live music over the October long weekend”

New homes for the key workers regional communities rely on

From Trundle to Tambar Springs, and Broken Hill to Bourke, the NSW Government has provided almost 300 quality new homes in regional communities that need them most, helping ease staffing pressures and support essential services across NSW.

Housing is the number one issue for the people of New South Wales, which is why the Minns Labor Government is building more homes to buy and rent right across the state.

The $165 million Key Worker Housing (KWH) Program is delivering vital accommodation for teachers and police officers in more than 90 regional towns, including some of the most remote areas in the state.

Working in partnership with the Department of Education and the NSW Police Force, Homes NSW is delivering 221 teacher homes and 69 police homes, with more than 80 per cent of the homes already complete.

By partnering with local builders and suppliers, the program has injected more than $55 million into regional economies across the state.

Innovation has also been at the forefront of the program, with Homes NSW using Modern Methods of Construction to build 58 of the 290 homes, helping deliver teacher and police housing faster and more efficiently in some of NSW’s most remote and hard-to-reach communities.

With the final projects in the program now underway, Homes NSW has begun consulting with key agencies and Government departments to identify future housing needs and ensure communities continue to have the housing infrastructure needed to attract and retain essential workers.

This work complements the Minns Labor Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is delivering 8,400 new public homes, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties across NSW.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Ensuring public schools in regional communities have the teachers they need is essential to providing students with the high-quality education they deserve, right where they live.

“Supporting teachers in regional NSW wasn’t a priority for the Nationals and Liberals, whose hands-off approach to regional education left communities playing catch-up.

“The Minns Labor Government is reversing that approach and building modern, affordable homes to help reduce teacher vacancies across regional NSW.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“NSW Police officers do an incredible job serving regional communities, and they deserve access to safe, secure and affordable housing wherever they are posted.

“When we invest in housing for police officers, we’re investing in safer communities. This program is helping regional towns attract and keep the officers who work every day to keep local people safe.

“This is just one of the ways we are helping to rebuild the NSW Police across regional areas; our investments in housing, coupled with our ‘Be a cop in your hometown’ initiative are helping to make Regional NSW safer by ensuring more boots on the ground.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This program not only houses essential police and teachers but injects millions of dollars into regional economies with funds flowing to local builders and suppliers.

“The use of new innovative methods to get the housing delivered quicker and more cost effectively demonstrates our regional businesses and workers are highly skilled and driving solutions for our statewide housing issues.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:   

“Regional communities are struggling to attract and retain essential workers, and housing is a big part of the challenge. You can’t recruit police officers and teachers if there’s nowhere for them to live. That’s why this program is so important.

“To deliver 290 homes teacher and police homes across regional NSW in just over four years, including in some of the most remote parts of the state, is a significant achievement and shows what’s possible when government invests in the infrastructure communities need.

“With the final projects now locked in, we’re working with agencies across government to make sure we continue to deliver much-needed housing in regional communities that attracts and keeps these key workers they heavily rely on.”

NSW launches vaccination program for endangered birds

The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza (bird flu).

A combination of insurance populations in captivity and wild populations of birds will be vaccinated. This includes the Little Penguins in Manly and Barunguba Montague Island.

Taronga Conservation Society Australia vaccinated the first birds this week, with trial cohorts of Little Penguins, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos among the first species to receive the initial dose of the two-dose vaccine course.

The NSW Government is working with Taronga to vaccinate and monitor wild Little Penguins at Manly Point.

Other wildlife facilities across NSW will join the state’s vaccine program, ensuring as many species as possible can be covered.

The vaccine requires two doses, administered three-to-four weeks apart. Birds in trials must remain in a controlled environment while completing their primary vaccination course and for 14 days following the second dose so they can be closely monitored for any adverse effects.

The NSW Government is continuing to work with wildlife organisations and other relevant partners to assess potential vaccination sites and ensure appropriate infrastructure, safety measures, veterinary oversight and other requirements are in place before vaccination commences.

NSW is continuing to learn about how the vaccine performs in native wildlife. The controlled vaccination program will provide an opportunity to closely monitor vaccinated animals and identify any potential adverse effects as further plans to vaccinate are progressed.

Complementing the broader rollout of vaccinations, Taronga is leading a vaccine trial that will provide valuable data on immune responses, vaccine effectiveness and future vaccination strategies in threatened and zoo-managed birds.

NSW is taking a careful, evidence-based approach to vaccination, with animal welfare, safety and the latest scientific and veterinary advice guiding decisions about when we use vaccines.

Vaccination is not a standalone solution or a silver bullet for H5 bird flu. It is one tool within a broader response that includes surveillance, preparedness planning, biosecurity and conservation measures.

NSW continues to strengthen surveillance and preparedness for H5 bird flu and has established preparedness plans for priority wildlife sites across the state.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds anywhere in Australia and the risk to human health remains low.

The community also plays an important role in early detection. If you encounter a suspected sick bird or marine mammal, avoid contact, record what you see and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

More than 5,000 calls have been received by the Hotline which has been up and running since June at the State Coordination Centre in Orange.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The unfortunate reality is that H5 bird flu is a significant threat to our native bird populations.

“While no government can stop the virus from spreading, vaccination programs like this one rolling out at Taronga Zoo are part of our efforts to help protect some of Australia’s most beloved native birds.”

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“We are deeply concerned about the impact that H5 bird flu could have on our native wildlife.

“No government policy can stop this virus form spreading through our wild bird populations. What we can do to support our wildlife is vaccinate insurance populations, protect their habitat and eliminate invasive species.

“From captive wildlife to wild populations, we are carefully considering where vaccination can help protect our precious birds”

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This targeted vaccination program is another important step in NSW’s ongoing work to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu.

“Vaccination is not a silver bullet, but it is one practical tool we can use alongside surveillance and preparedness planning to help protect vulnerable native wildlife.

“We know this disease presents risks for native wildlife and poultry producers which is why we having been planning for some time with our best veterinary and scientific advisors plus working closely with industry and wildlife groups.

Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Chief Executive Cameron Kerr AO said:

“Taronga is pleased to be working closely with the NSW Government on this nationally significant effort to help protect some of Australia’s most vulnerable bird species from the threat of H5 Bird Flu.

“As a conservation and science-based organisation, this vaccine trial represents an important opportunity to strengthen the scientific evidence base for avian influenza vaccination in threatened birds.

“Through this work, Taronga will generate valuable data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine across a diverse range of species, helping to inform future disease preparedness and response efforts across Australia’s unique wildlife.”

Student enrolments highlight strong demand for new Medowie High School

More than 130 students are set to make history as the first Year 7 cohort at the new Medowie High School, as the Minns Labor Government delivers the public high school the local community has fought for over decades.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington recently visited the site to inspect construction progress, with the new school on track to welcome students from Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The early enrolment figures demonstrate strong demand for a local public high school, with the inaugural Year 7 cohort already comparable in size with those of established secondary schools across the local area.

Medowie is one of the fastest-growing communities in Port Stephens, with the local population expected to increase by more than 4,000 residents by 2040.

For local families, the new high school will mean students can access a world-class public education, close to home, ending the long daily commute faced by some students to reach their nearest public high school.

The new high school will include 29 modern classrooms, including facilities for specialist support classes, specialist workshops for science, wood and metalwork, creative and performing arts spaces, a new multipurpose hall, library, administration, canteen, and sport facilities.

Road and infrastructure upgrades on Abundance Road and Ferodale Road are also being delivered ahead of the school opening to improve traffic flow and provide safe student pick-up, drop-off, and pedestrian access.

The new Medowie High School is a key Minns Labor Government commitment and the first new high school to be built in the Hunter in more than 25 years.

Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has been rebuilding public education and delivering new and upgraded schools across NSW, backed by a record $9.2 billion investment in school infrastructure over the next four years, including $2.3 billion for regional NSW.

Enrolments for the school’s first Year 7 cohort are open via https://medowie-h.schools.nsw.gov.au.

The project is part of our record investment in new schools and upgrades over the next four years, ensuring students across the state have access to a world class public education, close to home.  

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National government told Medowie families there was no need for a local high school.  

“With more than 130 students already enrolled in its first Year 7 cohort, the evidence is clear – this school was desperately needed.

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding public education by investing in the schools, classrooms and facilities our communities need, so every child can attend a great local public school, close to home.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Our community always knew this school was desperately needed, and these enrolment numbers prove it.  

“I keep meeting local families who can’t contain their excitement about starting the new school year in a brand new school, with all its wonderful facilities, whilst staying connected to our community.

“After fighting for this school for two decades, I’m proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that’s finally delivering the local public high school our kids deserve.”

Medowie High School principal Kylee Beasley said:

“It is incredibly exciting to see such strong interest in Medowie High School ahead of our school opening next year.

“It is particularly encouraging to see so many students coming from local partner schools and choosing to continue their secondary education within their community.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our first students and building a strong school community from day one.”