Rideshare driver charged over multiple alleged sexual acts – Sydney City PAC

A rideshare driver will face court today following an investigation into multiple alleged sexual acts, including one committed in Sydney’s CBD over the weekend.

Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation on Saturday 29 August 2026, following reports a rideshare driver had allegedly performed a sexual act on himself during a trip.

Detectives were told the incident occurred about 12.30pm the same day, during a booked rideshare trip through Sydney’s CBD, with a passenger – a 23-year-old woman – onboard.

Following inquiries, about 3.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 1 September 2026), police arrested a 28-year-old man in Millers Point.

A short time later, officers – with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a home on Rangihou Crescent, Parramatta.

The 28-year man was taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of carry out sexual act with another without consent and two counts of sexually touch another person without consent.

Police will allege in court the 28-year-old man was involved in three additional, unrelated incidents of a similar nature between January 2026 and April 2026 at locations in Sydney CBD, Earlwood, and Otford. These alleged incidents occurred outside of his occupation as a rideshare driver.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Wednesday 2 September 2026).

Uniting welcomes festival drug checking, but says access must go beyond the festival gates

Uniting NSW.ACT welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW government that drug checking will be allowed at 15 music festivals across the state each year. We believe this is an important step towards a broader evidence-based approach to reducing harm.
 
If NSW is serious about making this life-saving intervention available to everyone who needs it, then drug checking through permanent community-based services must be made available.
 
Alice Salomon, Director Advocacy and External Relations at Uniting NSW.ACT said:
“Today’s announcement is a welcome start, and the NSW Government should be congratulated for taking this positive first step. Drug checking gives people potentially life-saving information and creates an important opportunity to connect them with trusted health advice and support.  
 
“But people who use drugs, don’t only do so at music festivals. Access to proven harm reduction service shouldn’t depend on whether or not you can afford a festival ticket, where you live, or the circumstances in which you use drugs.  Everyone person who uses drugs deserves access to the harm reduction services that will help keep them safe.
 
“Fixed-site, community-based drug checking would make this service available to many more people, including regional communities where we know there is both need and demand.
 
“At a time when drug overdose deaths are double the road death toll, proven harm reduction services need to be available as widely as possible. 
 
Uniting is calling on the NSW Government to build on today’s announcement and commit to setting up fixed-site drug checking services in the community.

Landmark six-nation partnership delivers East Micronesia Cable

A landmark six-nation partnership backed by the Albanese Government has delivered the East Micronesia Cable system, bringing reliable, high-capacity telecommunications connectivity to communities across Micronesia for the first time.

The 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable will bring faster, more reliable and more affordable internet to over 100,000 people across Naoero, Tarawa in Kiribati and Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia. This will provide the regional connectivity that underpins essential services, economic activity and community relationships.

The cable also greatly reduces the risk of telecommunications outages, helping people and businesses stay connected to the everyday services they rely on.

The Australian Government contributed approximately $AUD65 million to the $AUD135 million project through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

Bringing together the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Naoero, with support from Australia, Japan and the United States, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when Pacific countries and partners work together to deliver shared regional priorities.

With the East Micronesia Cable complete, all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea telecommunications infrastructure for the first time, a milestone supporting a more connected and digitally resilient Blue Pacific.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong: 

“Improved connectivity enhances the Pacific region’s resilience and capacity to respond to economic and security challenges.

“The East Micronesia Cable will drive growth and opportunity, strengthen essential services and contribute to long-term regional stability, which benefits us all.”

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy: 

“The East Micronesia Cable demonstrates what can be achieved when Pacific nations work together for the benefit of the region.

“Together with the Pacific and partners Japan and the United States, we are delivering lasting infrastructure that builds a safe, peaceful and prosperous region and will benefit Pacific communities for decades to come.

“The East Micronesia Cable will help families stay connected, support businesses to grow, expand access to education and healthcare and create new opportunities in an increasingly digital world.”

Privacy laws welcome progress, but let’s deal with glasses now

The Greens have spent years pushing for these reforms, and it is genuinely good to see the government finally moving to a ‘fair and reasonable test’ to protect privacy and a modernised definition of personal information, and stronger data breach rules. 

There are substantial gaps in the draft bill including the lack of action to prevent individuals using ‘smart’ glasses to collect and broadcast other people’s personal information, especially as recording devices get smaller, smarter, and easier to wear without anyone else knowing. 

Likewise the ‘right to erasure’ reform is critically important, but only applies to a tiny fraction of the companies collecting personal information about you, being limited to “large digital platforms” with more than $500 million revenue or 2.5 million monthly user threshold. If a company is able to create systems to capture your data it is reasonable to impose a requirement to delete that data on request. 

The Government also hasn’t touched the small business and employee records exemptions to privacy laws despite years of recommendations on this. With the absence of prescriptive rules preventing data harvesting and tracking of children, the Greens will be working to ensure these major privacy issues are addressed as the bill works its way through Parliament.

The short time frame and 1,000 word limit on submissions raises questions about how open the Government truly is to feedback on this proposal. 

Greens Senator and Digital Rights Spokesperson David Shoebridge: 

“This Bill is a modest step forward and goes some way to dragging Australia’s Privacy laws into the 21st century.

“Australians have waited too long for a privacy law that reflects how data is actually collected and used in 2026.

“Replacing “about” with “relates to” in the definition of personal information closes a loophole companies have exploited for years to argue that inferred or derived data about someone doesn’t count as their information.

“Treating AI-generated inferences as data collection is a useful step forward. For too long, a company could infer something about someone’s identity, health, or behaviour from a device and claim it never actually collected anything.

“None of this changes the basic fact that the Privacy Act still only applies to businesses and agencies, not to the person standing next to you wearing a secret camera.

“Smart glasses that whisper a stranger’s name, their job, and social media history into someone’s ear, will still sit entirely outside Privacy laws with this Bill unless it is being done during work. 

“We need to extend these laws to cover the use of so-called “smart glasses” regardless of whether or not the wearer is doing it for personal curiosity or as part of a business.

“There is still no requirement for a prominent light, a recognizable sound, or any outward sign that a pair of glasses is recording or searching online about people the wearer is seeing. 

“A right to erasure that is limited only to platforms with $500 million or more in revenue, or 2.5 million monthly users, leaves out every small app and every emerging glasses startup building exactly this kind of surveillance product.

“Today’s limited announcement from Labor makes it even more urgent to press for an import ban for all covert wearable recording technology. 

“The employee records exemption from Privacy protections is untouched again, despite being flagged as a priority for reform since 2023. The Greens believe that workers deserve the same privacy protections as everyone else.

“The Greens will be pushing to strengthen these changes, with an open door to the government to work through positive amendments, and at the same time press ahead for an urgent 12 month import ban on covert recordable devices. 

“Whatever happens, this entire privacy project is urgent, and while it should be subject to proper scrutiny, the law needs to be sorted this year, not this decade.”

Supreme Court rejection of IHRA antisemitism definition to stand after Minns Labor Government abandons appeal

The Attorney General has announced in a Budget Estimates hearing that the Minns Labor Government will not appeal the Supreme Court judgement that rejected the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, after advice from the Crown Solicitor and Senior Counsel revealed no prospects of success.  

The definition has been criticised by the Jewish Council of Australia and other peak bodies for conflating anti-Zionism and criticism of the Israeli Government with antisemitism. In State of New South Wales v Farhat [2026] NSWSC 98 5, His Honour Justice Fagan rejected the definition as “so verbose and imprecise that it could not realistically be attributed to the ordinary, reasonably informed member of the Australian public.” 

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said: “The IHRA definition of antisemitism is an imprecise and wide-ranging definition which has no place in prosecutions and the justice system of New South Wales,  

“Justice Fagan has rightly decried the IHRA definition as incomprehensible to the ordinary and reasonable member of the Australian public. It was bewildering to see the Minns Labor Government signalling they would appeal this decision,  

“The Government’s own legal experts have clearly seen the writing on the wall and told the Attorney General that any appeal of this decision would fail,  

“Across the NSW Government, the public service, and many other private institutions, this definition remains in force despite this clear guidance of the Supreme Court. Jillian Segal is attempting to expand the application of this definition, but I think this judgement should pour cold water over that proposition,  

“I remain concerned at the circumstances which gave rise to this decision, which was an attempt to pursue an extremely troubled young Lebanese-Australian man through the judicial system and to keep him locked up despite a statutory parole order from the Courts. That parole order required the defendant to obtain mental health and drug and alcohol support,  

“A person living with financial troubles, substance abuse issues and intellectual disabilities is being mischaracterised by the State as antisemitic when in fact the Supreme Court has found that curses against Israel do not constitute antisemitism,  

“I understand the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is overseeing a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this young man’s prosecution, and I await the outcome of that investigation with great interest,” Ms Higginson said. 

 

Background:  

The case saw an attempt to impose an Extended Supervision Order upon 22-year-old Lebanese Australian Mohommed Farhat, who was recruited by organised criminals to spray-paint “Fuk Israel” on a car, thrown out.  

Mr Farhat suffers from low cognitive ability and substance abuse issues, and the Court held that his offending was motivated by financial gain rather than antisemitism.  

Attorney General Michael Daley’s comments in Budget Estimates, 31 August 2026:  

“No we won’t be appealing that decision…following the Supreme Court’s refusal of an application for an ESO against Mohommed Farhat I sought urgent advice on the prospects of an appeal. Having considered the advice from the Crown Solicitor, Senior and Junior Counsel, I have reached the conclusion that an appeal would have no reasonable prospects and would fail.”  

Judgement of Fagan J in State of New South Wales v Farhat [2026] NSWSC 985: 

“…antisemitism according to its established and well understood meaning is an attitude reviled in Australia. An allegation that a person is antisemitic is a grave imputation on character. Misapplication of the term to statements and attitudes concerning political subjects, such as disapproval of the state of Israel or disagreement with the ideology of Zionism, has the effect of unfairly damaging the person so accused and weakening the abhorrence that the word ‘antisemitic’ should properly evoke.” 

“In an expert opinion report tendered by the Crown, Dr Shanahan states that ‘the definition of exactly what constitutes antisemitism is debated’. There is no debate, to my knowledge, about the established meaning that I have identified above as ordinarily accepted in Australia. Dr Shanahan’s reference to debate is followed by quotation of the formulation adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). That formulation appears to be an attempt to repurpose the term ‘antisemitism’ as the name of an amalgamated concept of ‘hatred toward Jews’ and/or criticism of Israel.” 

“The State’s case on the present application has not been advanced by tendering the IHRA formulation through the report of Dr Shanahan.” 

“The IHRA formulation comprises a core text followed by ‘examples’ that ‘may serve as illustrations’. The core text is as follows: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” 

“The 11 examples appended to that text include the following: 6 Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations. 7 Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour. 8 Applying double standards by requiring of it a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation. 9 Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis. 10 Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.” 

“The IHRA formulation does not reflect the established usage and understanding of the term ‘antisemitic’ in Australia. It does not assist the Court in its present task of determining whether the slogans spray-painted by the defendant were antisemitic according to that common understanding.” 

“The IHRA core text is so verbose and imprecise that it could not realistically be attributed to the ordinary, reasonably informed member of the Australian public. What is the ‘certain perception’? If antisemitism ‘may be expressed as hatred toward Jews’, how else ‘may’ it be expressed so as still to fall within the definition? Would the ‘certain perception’ be present in the expression of some other, less egregious, sentiment towards Jews and, if so, what? The proposition that antisemitism may ‘be directed towards … non-Jewish individuals [etc]’ appears counterintuitive to the central concept of Jew hatred. In what circumstances and within what limits would ‘rhetorical [or] physical manifestations’ of the ‘certain perception of Jews’ be antisemitic if ‘directed toward … non-Jewish individuals [etc]’?” 

“I am not the first to have criticised the inept drafting of the IHRA formulation. In the words of Sir Stephen Spedley, it ‘fails the first test of any definition: it is indefinite’. The JCA submission to the Royal Commission criticises the IHRA wording and cites a number of detailed critiques by others. Discussion of the IHRA wording and adoption of it by some institutions does not change the established meaning of a word that has been in use in the English language for 150 years. The IHRA formulation propounds a concept different from that which ‘antisemitism’ has long been understood to describe and appropriates that word to the novel concept.” 

“Criticism of Zionism, the movement that established Israel and continues to support it, stands in the same position as criticism of Israel itself. Universities Australia, a body representing 39 institutions, has described antisemitism in a long form of wording that includes the following: For most, but not all Jewish Australians, Zionism is a core part of their Jewish identity.” 

“As an ideology of Jewish nationalism, Zionism is open to political discussion and criticism, notably on grounds concerning the rights of the Palestinians. It may well be correct that ‘most, but not all Jewish Australians’ regard Zionism as ‘a core part of their Jewish identity’. That does not mean that anti-Zionists are hostile to that majority of Jews on account of their Jewishness; only that they hold a negative view of a political ideology with which the majority of Jews have chosen to identify. A contestable political question does not lose its political character upon a large proportion of a particular confessional group taking one side of the issue and feeling that it is closely associated with their religious identity. Further, the words ‘most, but not all’ are important. How can disparagement of Zionism be hostile or prejudiced towards Jews as Jews when it is only ‘most, but not all’ Jews who support the ideology, with whatever degree of fervour?” 

“From the commencement of the investigation of the index offences through to the final hearing of the summons before me, police officers and legal representatives of State agencies have repeatedly and uniformly characterised the defendant’s graffiti as antisemitic. That has led to the defendant being treated under the criminal law and in the administration of his very differently from how he would have been dealt with if the graffiti had not been so labelled. The label has been wrongly applied, injustice to the defendant has followed and the misconception has led to the State bringing these proceedings.” 

Albanese active inflation agenda kills small business, home values

“Small business is collapsing and home values are falling because the Albanese government can’t kick its spending addiction to fuel its active inflation agenda”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments come in the wake of new data from Cotality showing a collapse in house prices across the country, and AIG analysis that shows business insolvencies have surged 75 per cent since pre-pandemic levels.

“Because Albanese can’t kick his spending addiction they’ve had to increase taxes, and feed their active inflation agenda of stoking inflation, taxing inflation and spending inflation and the consequences are there for everyone to see: rising rents, falling real wages, falling house prices and small business sent to the wall”, Mr Wilson said.

“3,450 businesses went under in the June quarter alone because the Albanese active inflation agenda is creating a cost of small business crisis. Every small business insolvency is a lost livelihood and now the Albanese active inflation agenda is sending home values falling because they’re pushing the RBA to push up interest rates”.

“The Albanese active inflation agenda that is forcing the hand of the RBA is killing home values”, Mr Wilson said. 

“Australian families already struggling to pay their bills are now sitting at the kitchen table watching the value of their biggest asset, their family home, fall through the floor. At the same time, first home buyers are watching their savings get slugged with higher taxes, while they pay more for rent”.

End of Trial Running as Southwest Metro opening nears

Southwest Metro is a significant step closer to opening, with the successful completion of the intensive five-week Trial Running program involving more than 130 operational scenarios.

The program tested the Southwest line under a wide range of operating conditions, including multi-agency emergency response exercises, to confirm the network can perform safely and reliably when passenger services commence.

As part of the testing there was a major emergency exercise, more than 12 months in the planning, which simulated a fire on a moving train that came to a controlled stop near Bankstown Station. The exercise involved Fire and Rescue NSW, Police and Transport for NSW resulted in the safe evacuation of around 300 volunteers.

The successful completion of Trial Running now allows the operator to continue refining systems including mechanical gap fillers and management of corridor protection in response to a range of scenarios.

In the lead up to first passenger services, testing will include running driverless trains over set periods to assess how the network performs under different operating and journey time scenarios.

As this work continues, Sydney Metro and the operator MTS will finalise documentation for the independent regulatory assessment ahead of the formal accreditation process.

At the ten upgraded stations from Marrickville to Bankstown, final completion works are underway including remaining asphalting on platforms, fencing remediation work, signage installation, along with plaza and concourse finishes.

The rigorous testing and commissioning program for Southwest Metro has been underway since the first metro train moved onto the converted line in April 2025. Since then, more than 5,800 of the required 9,000 testing hours have been completed, along with 24,235 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing.

To support opening preparations, there will be a number of planned closures of the M1 line in the coming weeks. These include:

  • Sunday 6 September – full line closure
  • Monday 7 September and Wednesday 9 September – overnight closures from 10pm
  • Sunday 13 September – full line closure
  • Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – between Chatswood and Sydenham

Replacement buses will operate between Tallawong and Chatswood during relevant closure periods, with customers able to connect to Sydney Trains services from Chatswood into the city.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This is a significant step towards bringing world-class metro services to communities in South-West Sydney.

“This testing puts training and procedures to the test in a realistic environment before passengers begin using the new metro.

“I want to thank the local communities who have been incredibly patient while their existing train line was converted. The experience in the North West and City shows that this will be worth the wait.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This is a big step forward that demonstrates the Southwest Metro can move into its final operational readiness testing ahead of opening.

“Over the coming weeks, the operators will continue working on key operational issues including gap filling on platforms and corridor protection. These are some of the unique challenges that have come with the conversion of a 130-year-old above ground rail line.

“Now that trial running is complete we look forward to continuing the work with the independent regulators, and providing a firmer guide on the opening timeline, as we get closer to final accreditation.”

Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury

“The end of trial running means we are another step closer to delivering transformational infrastructure that will change the lives of people across Canterbury and Sydney’s inner south west.

“The Southwest Metro will provide local families, workers and students direct connections and faster public transport to jobs, education and tourism across Sydney.

“Our community has patiently waited for the completion of this project, and it is so exciting to see the final stages of testing successfully completed as we move closer to opening day.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“We are getting incredibly close to saying goodbye to the pink buses and hello to Southwest Metro. Our metro staff are working hard to make sure everything is running smoothly and, most importantly, safely for passengers before services begin.

“I know how much our communities have been looking forward to this, and we’re nearly at the point where they can jump on board and enjoy better connections, easier journeys and more time back in their day.”

Kylie Wilkinson MP, State Member for East Hills

“For my community, particularly those in the north of my electorate, the Metro will provide new opportunities to connect with other parts of Sydney and make travelling across the city easier.

“Thorough testing across a range of different scenarios is an integral part of making sure the service is safe, reliable and ready for the community when it opens.

NSW pushes for more trade and investment with India

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey have continued the NSW Government’s official visit to India, pushing for more Indian investment in NSW and new opportunities for NSW businesses in technology, critical minerals, tourism and other fast-growing industries.

NSW is only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential of the economic relationship with India, with significant opportunities to grow investment and trade.

The visit has already delivered new opportunities for NSW-developed technology, exporters and creative industries, while opening discussions with some of India’s biggest companies about investment in NSW.

The Premier and Treasurer met senior executives from NMDC, NTPC Mining, Hindustan Copper Limited and Coal India to discuss Indian investment in NSW’s critical minerals sector and opportunities for NSW to supply the minerals needed by India’s growing manufacturing economy.

The meetings focused on NSW’s significant deposits of critical minerals and the state’s mining expertise, technology, strong safety standards and stable investment environment.

Earlier, the Premier and Treasurer witnessed the signing of an agreement between Transport for NSW’s Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) and HCLTech to explore using AI to make NSW-developed traffic technology easier to use across India’s diverse language markets.

SCATS is already used around the world and the partnership creates an opportunity to sell more NSW-owned technology into India, generating revenue that can be reinvested in transport back home.

The economic program follows meetings with senior Indian political leaders on the first day of the mission, including Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.  

A reception hosted by Australia’s High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Mr Philip Green OAM, brought together government representatives, business leaders and NSW exporters.

During the evening, the Premier announced the internationally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival will be hosted at Powerhouse Parramatta in August 2027, bringing writers and cultural figures from Australia, India and around the world to Western Sydney.

The reception also marked the launch of 14 NSW food, beverage and consumer brands into the Indian market, connecting NSW businesses with importers and distributors in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

Also announced was The Indian Cowboy, a new feature film to be set and filmed in NSW, produced and directed by NSW filmmaker Anupam Sharma and written by Victoria McIntyre Wharfe, with Satish Sharma as co-producer from India. The film tells the story of Bobby Cash, India’s country music singer whose international career took off after performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Alongside the economic program, the delegation visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, reflecting the strong connections between India and the Sikh and Hindu communities in NSW.

The official mission will now continue in Mumbai, with further business, investment, education and government engagements.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities between NSW and India.”

“India is growing quickly and there are huge opportunities for NSW in critical minerals, technology, education and tourism, but we have to work for it. We have to be here making the case for NSW.

“NSW has the minerals India needs, world-class mining expertise and the safety, environmental and legal standards that major investors are looking for.

“We want Indian companies investing in NSW, and we want NSW businesses taking their technology and expertise into this enormous market.

“SCATS is a great example. It’s NSW technology already being used around the world and there’s a real opportunity to take it further in India.

“And we start with a huge advantage, with more than 200,000 Indian-born people call NSW home and those family, cultural and business connections give us a head start that other places would love to have.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“It’s clear from being here, just how ambitious India is. This is a country that wants to grow and wants to grow fast.”

“With 1.4 billion people, demand isn’t the problem. The opportunity for NSW is supplying what this growing economy needs, whether that’s critical minerals, technology, education or tourism.

“NSW has a lot of expertise to offer and India is looking to Australia as a trusted partner.

“SCATS is one of those great NSW success stories that most people probably don’t know about. We own world-leading traffic technology and we’re already selling it around the world.

“If we can sell more NSW-owned technology into cities like Delhi and Mumbai, that’s more revenue we can put back into better transport at home.

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM said:

“The relationship between Australia and India continues to grow in strength and depth, supported by strong business, education, community and cultural connections.

“NSW plays a vital role in that relationship, and this mission demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available through closer collaboration between India and New South Wales.” 

Seniors in south-east NSW invited to ‘Country Meets Christmas’ concert

The Minns Labor Government is doubling the Christmas cheer this festive season with the popular Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts set to hit the stage across south-east NSW.

For the first time since launching in 2013, the Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts will tour six regional communities this year from 24 November to 9 December. Last year, Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts were held in three communities.

Free concerts will be performed at venues across Dubbo, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Cooma, Bega and Batemans Bay with a combined capacity for more than 2000 seniors to enjoy the shows.

Featuring Glen Innes-born country music artist Darren Coggan and his indie songwriter daughter Olivia, this year’s concerts will evoke a Country Meets Christmas vibe. 

The family duo will blend their country music flair with traditional Christmas favourites in a 90-minute show guaranteed to inspire audiences to sing along in delight.

Guests will be treated to a selection of renowned songs including Take me Home, Country Roads from John Denver, Happy Xmas from John Lennon and some of Darren Coggan’s own masterpieces like Always Believe in Love and This Christmas.

Free local concerts will be held at:

  • Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre at Zingel Place on Tuesday, 8 December at 11am
  • Yuin Theatre at Bay Pavilions on Wednesday, 9 December at 11am

Tickets will be available online from 9am on Tuesday, 8 September and can be booked at: nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Group bookings for 10 to 20 people are encouraged from aged care facilities, retirement villages, seniors social groups and additional seniors organisations.

High demand for tickets is expected, and locals are encouraged to apply fast to avoid disappointment.

The Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts form part of the NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The 2027 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 1 March to 14 March under the theme Discover. Connect. Celebrate! 

The NSW Seniors Festival is a key initiative targeted to strengthen social inclusion and celebrate the contribution of seniors across the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors across south-east NSW make an outstanding contribution to their community and the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts is the NSW Government’s Christmas gift to them.

“The feedback from seniors who attend these concerts each year is overwhelmingly positive, which is why we are spreading the joy far and wide by doubling the number of concerts this year to six regional communities.

“We are excited to see Christmas celebrations kick off early and I encourage local seniors to join in the festivities and sing along.”

Performer Darren Coggan said:

“The love of Christmas is family and what a beautiful gift it will be for me to share the stage and harness all the whimsical magic of the Australian Christmas season with my daughter Olivia on this wonderful tour.

“There has always been something infinitely special about Christmas in our house, a cherished time of togetherness, catching up with friends, family and those whom we hold close.

“We hope to bring that same sense of joy and reflection to the stage in these Country Meets Christmas concerts, performing for seniors across regional NSW.”

Member for Bega Michael Holland said:

“Christmas is a wonderful time to come together, and I’m delighted that seniors across my electorate have the opportunity to enjoy two fantastic concerts in Bega and Batemans Bay.

“The annual concerts are always a wonderful celebration, and I know local seniors are looking forward to an amazing morning of great music, laughter and Christmas spirit.

“It’s also fantastic to see the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts expanding from three communities to six this year, ensuring more seniors across regional NSW can share in the festivities.

“I encourage everybody to get in early and secure their tickets. With Darren Coggan and his daughter Olivia bringing their Country Meets Christmas shows to our region, it promises to be a terrific celebration of the festive season.”

Wave of Special Entertainment Precincts surfs into Cronulla

The number of entertainment precincts in NSW has now reached 12, with Cronulla the latest community to boost its night-time economy by extending trading hours and relaxing noise settings in its CBD.

Commencing today the new precinct includes the bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs and shops between Gerale Street and Wilbar Avenue, and supports Sutherland Council’s vision to extend daytime visitation into night-time activity and deliver more vibrant entertainment options like the popular Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival.

Since the Minns Labor Government came to office Special Entertainment Precincts have been established in Tamworth, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Balmain, Leichardt, Rozelle, Marrickville, Canley Vale and Canley Heights.

Over 20 more councils are preparing to establish entertainment precincts including Goulburn, Burwood, Parramatta, City of Sydney, Ryde, Hornsby, Northern Beaches, Waverley and Canterbury-Bankstown.

Following community consultation on trading hours and sound settings, all Special Entertainment Precincts begin with a 12-month trial, giving the community opportunity to monitor impacts, provide feedback and make changes ahead of any precincts being made permanent.

Sutherland Shire Council received $187,000 funding under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish a SEP trial in the Cronulla CBD.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has introduced three tranches of vibrancy reforms that have banned single-neighbour noise complaints, reformed the noise complaints system, enable outdoor activation and removed unnecessary regulations that increased the cost and administrative burden for hospitality operators and decreased the enjoyment of patrons.

Live music is at the centre of the night-time economy revival with more than 596 venues now taking up the government’s extended trading hours for programming music, which is almost four times the number of venues than when the government took office

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps

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

“Already one of Sydney’s best day time destinations, Cronulla’s night-time economy will start to catch up, as it becomes the state’s first ever beachside Special Entertainment Precinct.

“Congratulations to Sutherland Shire Council for all the consultation and planning they’ve done to set up this precinct and boost their night-time economy.

“We’ve come a long way since the lockouts and lockdowns. We now have 12 Special Entertainment Precincts and many more on the way.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“The great thing about the Special Entertainment Precinct model is that it has been designed to be adaptable to different settings. Councils are best placed to work out what makes sense in their context.

“Cronulla is well placed to embrace a SEP trial and encourage visitors and locals to visit the beach and stay for the nightlife.

“Consultation is key, and this trial will help Sutherland Shire Council work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right.”

Sutherland Shire Council mayor Jack Boyd said:

“Cronulla is already one of the best places in New South Wales to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, listen to live music or spend time by the beach, and is also the only beach with direct train access, and this trial gives us the opportunity to build on those strengths.

“As NSW’s first beachside Special Entertainment Precinct, Cronulla is leading the way in showing how a thriving night-time economy can coexist with a great lifestyle, strong local businesses and a vibrant community.

“This important initiative will provide local businesses with greater certainty and opportunities to grow while creating more reasons for residents and visitors to stay local and enjoy everything Cronulla has to offer after dark.

“Importantly, this is a 12-month trial. We will closely monitor its implementation and any unintended impacts to ensure the precinct continues to deliver positive outcomes for businesses, patrons and residents alike.”