Australia locks in delivery of our first three general purpose frigates

The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards delivering a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with contracts now signed for Australia’s first three general purpose frigates.

Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the ships will be of the upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigate design, with the first scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2029.

The Albanese Government is working closely with the Japanese Government and industry with future ships to be constructed in Western Australia, subject to consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct, in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding.

Defence is also working with Japanese industry and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to develop an initial capability to sustain and operate the upgraded Mogami class frigates in Australia, supported by Australian industry and workers.

The upgraded Mogami class frigate has a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles and a 32-cell Vertical Launch System. It will be equipped with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, crewed by 92 Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers, and capable of operating Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk maritime combat helicopter.

The decision to acquire upgraded Japanese Mogami class frigates accords with the Albanese Government’s commitment to more than double the size of Navy’s surface combatant fleet, following the 2024 independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet. In the 2026 Integrated Investment Program released this week, the Government committed to the investment of up to $20 billion over the decade into general purpose frigates.

The contract-signing was marked by the Deputy Prime Minister and his counterpart, the Japanese Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjirō signing the ‘Mogami Memorandum’, reaffirming the Australian and Japanese Governments’ shared commitment to the successful delivery of Australia’s general purpose frigates and deeper defence industry cooperation.

Royal Australian Navy personnel trained with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force aboard the Mogami class frigate Japan Ship Kumano during its transit to Australia for Exercise Kakadu, further strengthening interoperability and the longstanding defence relationship between Australia and Japan.

The next two decades will see tens of billions of dollars invested in defence capabilities in Western Australia, including the build of future upgraded Mogami class frigates at the Henderson Defence Precinct, supporting around 10,000 high-skilled jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Acquiring upgraded-Mogami class frigates demonstrates the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in the capabilities we need to keep Australians safe.

“Our surface fleet is more important than at any time in decades. These general purpose frigates will help secure our maritime trade routes and northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is the fastest acquisition for the Royal Australian Navy in peacetime. We are working closely with Japanese and Australian industry partners as we acquire one of the most, if not the most, advanced general-purpose frigate in the world.

“We are delivering these commitments at pace, supporting and creating jobs for Australians, and deepening Australia’s industrial base. The first three frigates will be built offshore in Japan. We will then transition to an onshore build in line with the Government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and a future made in Australia.”

Visit by Japan’s Minister of Defense

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will tomorrow welcome Japan’s Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro, to Australia. 

The Ministers will convene in Melbourne for an Australia-Japan Defence Ministers’ Meeting and a tour of JS Kumano, a Mogami class frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. 

Japan is an indispensable partner to Australia. As Special Strategic Partners, we have one of the closest and most enduring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by deep mutual trust, shared values and a high level of strategic alignment built over decades of cooperation. 

Defence engagement is a central pillar of the Australia-Japan partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to regional stability and the deep practical cooperation between our defence forces. The selection of the upgraded Mogami class frigate as Australia’s future general purpose frigate will see our two countries working more closely than ever before. 

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, and our partnership continues to go from strength to strength. 

“I look forward to meeting with my good friend Minister Koizumi today to discuss opportunities to deepen Australia and Japan’s defence partnership, including by increasing collaboration between our defence industrial bases through Australia’s general purpose frigate program.” 

Protocol on economic resilience and essential supplies

Today we are pleased to announce that Australia and Singapore have substantially concluded negotiations on the Protocol on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).

The Protocol delivers on the Joint Statement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on 10 April 2026, in which they committed to support the flow of essential supplies between our countries.

The Protocol reflects the priority we accord each other with respect to trade in essential supplies including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas.

It also demonstrates the complementarity and interdependence of our two economies.

The Protocol enhances cooperation on economic resilience including by seeking to manage and minimise supply chain disruptions and endeavouring not to adopt export prohibitions or restrictions on essential supplies between us.

The Protocol also formalises the Australia-Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue recognised by Prime Ministers in their announcement of 10 April 2026. The Dialogue will serve as the mechanism for cooperation on economic resilience and trade in essential supplies.

The Protocol is guided by the principles of an open, rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core.

The Protocol will enter into force when both Singapore and Australia have completed their domestic processes.

Court strikes down Minns Labor Government’s unconstitutional anti-protest laws which caused police violence at Town Hall Sydney

The Court of Appeal has struck down Labor Premier Chris Minns’ post-Bondi anti-protest laws which enabled the NSW Police to extend protest restrictions, the Public Assembly Restriction Declarations (PARD). The challenge was brought by the Blak Caucus and Palestine Action Group.

A PARD was in place during the 9 February protest at Sydney Town Hall against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to NSW where scenes of police violence went viral on social media. Community leaders are calling for the Police to be removed from involvement with any prosecutions related to the protest, and for the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw all current and planned prosecutions.

Greens MP, Solicitor and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said:

“Premier Chris Minns has once again been pulled into line by the courts for inflicting unconstitutional laws on the people of NSW. These unconstitutional laws are the reason that Police felt empowered to commit violence against innocent people at Town Hall,

“This decision will upend the prosecutions of protestors who have been charged as a result of attending the protest. The Police must now extract themselves from this mess, they had no authority to issue the directions under these invalid laws, and any charges resulting from police activity at Town Hall need to be withdrawn,

“If these charges are not withdrawn immediately by Police, I am calling on the Director of Public Prosecutions to take over all prosecutions because it is crystal clear that NSW Police cannot run legally sound prosecutions of protestors in circumstances where their own officers were the perpetrators and they had no legal authority,

“Given this outcome, civil liability in the tens of millions is inevitable. People were harmed, their right to march to Parliament was unlawfully obstructed, and no doubt police were harmed too. Premier Chris Minns needs to take responsibility for this.

“Instead of progressing evidence-based reform to combat hate and antisemitism in the aftermath of the Bondi Massacre, the Premier chose to foist unrelated and absurdly anti-democratic anti-protest laws on the parliament knowing they would be declared invalid,

“This authoritarian approach to our democracy by Premier Minns has been repeated too often, at a certain point Labor needs to stop trying to subvert our constitution. If this trend of passing bad laws continues, with the community challenging their constitutionality later, NSW is at serious threat of descending to a very dark place,” Ms Higginson said.

Labor hides $5b of defence cuts and accounting tricks in defence strategy

Defence Minister Richard Marles must come clean on his accounting trickery with a radical new measure of defence spending, as well as his $5 billion of secret cuts.

In today’s National Press Club Speech, the Defence Minister obscured more than he revealed.

Australia faces the most dangerous strategic environment since the Second World War, yet two years on from the last National Defence Strategy and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the Albanese government refuses to meaningfully increase defence spending and instead has chosen to hide behind accounting tricks.

Historically Australia has used one way of measuring defence spending as a share of GDP, which excluded military pensions and other expenditure. Now when the pressure is on, Labor are changing the rule book to suit their narrative. Accounting tricks don’t make Australians safer.

Only immediate real increases in defence spending will put tangible capability into the hands of war fighters to protect our country.

Anything less is an insult to the men and women serving in uniform and fails to heed the lessons of Ukraine and Iran.

What we do not need is $5 billion of secret cuts to defence capability. The government must come clean with the Australian people and explain what capabilities will be cut, in addition to their previous cuts to infantry fighting vehicles, self-propelled Howitzers, F-35s, Hunter class frigates and military communication satellites. Even reservists are having their days cut because Labor has failed to fund defence properly.

If Labor was really increasing defence spending these cuts would not be necessary.

The government must follow the expert advice of people like Sir Angus Houston and Professor Peter Dean and increase real defence spending to 3% of GDP to fund important future capability including AUKUS, without cannibalising the rest of the ADF.

Revitalisation of Shepherds Hill Cottage enters final stage

A new chapter in the history of Shepherds Hill Cottage is one step closer, with final touches underway to transform the 130-year-old building into a café with Newcastle’s most stunning views.

Work on the adaptive re-use of the former military mess hall atop King Edward Park has been underway since late 2025, transforming the site into a new hospitality space while maintaining its strong historic character.

Aerial view of Shepherds Hill CottageShepherds Hill Cottage has one of the best vantage points on Newcastle’s coastline.

Expected to open in coming months, Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill café will be helmed by local hospitality duo Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, who bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur’s Pantry, Mr O Wholefoods and Ronnie’s Pokolbin.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee Councillor Declan Clausen said exploring new uses for the site was an important way to keep it open and accessible for the community.

“Shepherds Hill is an iconic coastal landmark that has played an important role in the history of this city,” Cr Clausen said.

“This project has focused on highlighting the cottage’s historic character while bringing new life to the site, and it’s exciting to think the community will soon be able to enjoy the space and celebrate its heritage as part of everyday life.”

Acting Executive Director Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting the State significant site.

“We understand the importance of preserving and enhancing places like Shepherds Hill Cottage to create ongoing connections between our city’s past and present,” Ms Hyland said.

“This is why City of Newcastle has invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect.

“Revitalising the cottage with the infrastructure needed for it reopen as a café and restaurant, while also highlighting its unique history with heritage interpretation signage, will ensure it remains an important, accessible part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.”

Construction on the project is being overseen by a heritage consultant, who has helped guide work on the new dining space, commercial kitchen, amenities building and interpretive signage upgrades. 

This phase of the project is supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Noke Group Directors Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier said they want to create a space that feels warm, welcoming and accessible to the community.  

“Growing up in Newcastle, this project feels personal. We’ve spent a lot of time in and around this area, so being able to contribute something back to the community here means a lot to us,” Mr Leonard said.

“The heritage of Shepherds Hill Cottage has played an important role in shaping both the design of the space and the overall offering, and we wanted to create something that respects its history while making it part of everyday life again.”

Mr Gontier said Eddie’s is about keeping things simple and doing them well.

“Our focus has always been on consistency, making sure that no matter when someone visits, they know they’re going to get great service, great coffee, and a really considered experience,” Mr Gontier said.

“I cannot wait to show what our company is about and be proud of what we can create.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the NSW Government was committed to supporting projects that provide enhanced public spaces for all members of the community. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved Newcastle landmark. I know the community is keen to see it activated and open to the public,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“It is great to see this project take another step closer to completion and unlocking the potential of this beautiful site.”

The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port, later serving as a command position throughout World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.

Transport plugs into cheaper, greener network-wide power deal

New South Wales will save $130 million on its public transport network power bill after signing on to a $1.9 billion renewable energy contract over seven years.

The money saved will be directly invested back into frontline public transport services across the state.

This will provide a timely investment boost as surging petrol costs drive more people from their cars on to trains, metro, buses and light rail.

The switch over to renewable power will achieve significant emissions reductions, allowing Transport to avoid the equivalent of over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 each year compared to conventional power

This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered under a single supply deal.

Previously, agencies like Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains negotiated their own electricity supply contracts, but the consolidation of modes has given the Minns Labor Government the buying power to drive a better deal for NSW taxpayers.

Transport operations use almost as much power as all other NSW public sector agencies combined.

The successful bidder, Snowy Energy, the retail brand of Snowy Hydro, was awarded the contract following a robust two-year review and competitive tender process.

The renewable electricity that will be supplied under this new contract moves Transport one step closer to achieving its emissions reduction targets of reducing operational emissions by 65 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2035.

Across Australia, the transport sector is on track to become the largest source of emissions by 2030.

With the weekly fare caps, public transport is one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly ways to get around.

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and $2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Cost of living pressures are real for household and government budgets. This contract reduces costs and moves us towards better environmental outcomes while we deliver a reliable public transport network.

“Transport uses almost as much electricity as all other government agencies in NSW combined. It’s important we use our buying power responsibly and get the best possible deal for taxpayers, which is what we have achieved.

“We are planning for a sustainable future as our network continues to grow, with new Sydney Trains fleets, more metro services, thousands of emissions-free buses, and Light Rail across the city and Parramatta.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered by the same electricity deal.

“Previously, agencies like Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro have been buying their electricity separately – this move consolidates those operations and costs.

“We’ve also been able to deliver significant reductions in energy demand through initiatives like rooftop solar at the new Sydney Trains’ Mortdale train maintenance facility and the Clyde engineering hub.

“At Mortdale alone, 2,000 solar panels have been installed, generating 1,317 Megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and avoiding around 870 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum, while reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be bought from the grid.”

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer Dennis Barnes said:

“The new contract with Transport for NSW indicates the demand for renewable energy solutions is growing at pace.

“There has been growing interest from businesses and government agencies across the country that are looking for innovative ways to decarbonise their operations.

“Transport for NSW is a large energy user and they are leading the way in their efforts to reduce emissions. We were able to provide a tailored approach that meets their unique needs and secures long-term renewable matched energy from sources such as the Uungula Wind Farm right here in NSW.”

Riverstone Town Centre future set for more homes and jobs

The Minns Labor Government is enabling the revitalisation of Riverstone Town Centre with the finalisation of a rezoning that could unlock up to 2,850 new homes, 1,200 jobs and a new main street.

The rezoning will deliver an improved flood resilient neighbourhood focusing housing growth close to the train station, while the northern end of the precinct will retain its low-scale character. 

The new controls will allow:

  • building heights between 2 and 15 storeys.
  • more employment land to support up to 1,200 jobs.
  • a new town centre with retail, dining and shopping areas.
  • upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
  • improved walking and cycling connections.

Crucially this rezoning will be supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes with the NSW and Australian Governments together investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road.

New open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation measures and new laneways will also improve flood safety and evacuation routes.

The final controls were adjusted to reflect further technical studies and community feedback. Key changes include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, improved flood planning, and an expanded open space network.

The proposed homes in the precinct have been reduced from 3,600 to 3,400, including 550 existing homes, to assist with flood evacuation capacity.

The final plan has been developed closely with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority to consider flood risk, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This rezoning enables a pipeline of much needed new homes, jobs and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone, while mitigating flood risks.

“This is an important step forward for the Riverstone community which will boost flood resilience and enable the revitalisation of the town centre.

“I commend local MP Warren Kirby for his strong advocacy to achieve this great outcome for his community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This rezoning delivers the vision for Riverstone that our community has been calling for over many years.

“I promised at the election that delivering a workable plan for Riverstone was one of my highest priorities, helping to unlock more homes and jobs while improving flood resilience in the town centre.

“We know parts of Riverstone are flood prone, it’s one of the major reasons previous plans were unviable, and these controls take that into consideration unlocking growth and the revitalisation of the town centre while keeping everyone safe.

“I’m proud of this new vision for Riverstone’s future which incorporates the key elements our community have highlighted as their priorities with improved shopping and dining, more places for community connection and greenspace as well as improved walking and cycle paths.

“I thank everyone who made a contribution to help us finalise the plan, the wait is finally over.”

Minns Labor Government targets home building quality and safety in the Hunter

A major joint operation between Building Commission NSW and SafeWork NSW in the Hunter Region aimed at monitoring building compliance, raising industry standards and identifying ways to better support the area’s growing number of local builders has now wrapped up.

During March, staff from both agencies visited several building sites in the region, connected with local educational facilities, and visited TAFE NSW Maitland.

In the lead up to the Hunter visit, Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 36 sites, resulting in the issuing of 18 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) worth a total of $12,000.

The top offences inspectors identified during the pre-blitz inspections related to unlicensed work, with 11 PINs being issued to contractors for the offence.

Positively, no building orders were issued, with any problems identified either fixed or in the process of being rectified. Two penalty notices were issued for unlicenced contracting as well as a fine for no builder’s signage.

Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW inspectors visited 27 worksites across the region to ensure businesses are protecting workers from the risks of falling from heights and being struck by falling objects and mobile plant. There were 57 improvement notices and five prohibition notices issued.

Several worksites had inadequate site security, with gaps in fences allowing unauthorised persons to enter the site. This can expose them to hazards and risks. There were also sites with inadequate or missing signage listing the contact details of the principal contractor, as well as sites which did not have toilets or handwashing facilities.

During the Hunter Region visit, Building Commission NSW also visited local high schools for the first time, connecting with students at Rutherford Technology High School and Hunter Trade College. Building Commission NSW staff shared their industry experience and career pathways with around 105 students

Building Commission NSW staff, along with NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard, also visited the TAFE NSW Maitland campus where they connected with around 100 students currently learning the ropes of their trade.

Community pop up events were also held at Charlestown Square where Building Commission NSW staff spoke with locals in a free, accessible and welcoming environment, designed to help navigate building-related concerns.

For more information on how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety and how to how to manage psychosocial risks in construction, visit the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction.  

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter builds this state and there’s no excuse for cutting corners. This roadshow was about being on the ground, working directly with builders to lift quality and ensure compliance across the board.

“In the Hunter, we back our workers and that means zero tolerance for unsafe sites. Every worker deserves to walk off the job in the same condition they walked on and anything less is unacceptable.

“This wasn’t just about enforcement – it was about education and support. By working with local builders, apprentices and training providers, we’re helping set the Hunter up with a strong, skilled and compliant workforce for the future.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“While most businesses are doing the right thing there are still too many not adhering to work health and safety regulations, particularly relating to working at heights.

“A fall from as little as two metres can cause catastrophic injury or even death.

“The NSW Government has a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk and SafeWork inspectors can and will issue on the spot fines for serious safety breaches, as well as stopping work from happening on site.

“Every worker has the right to return home safely, and these inspections are about raising industry standards and ensuring building compliance to ensure the safety of workers.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“It’s great to see the Hunter community engaging with Building Commission NSW to lift standards and boost consumer confidence across the region.

“Since Building Commission NSW was established as the dedicated regulator in 2023, it has prioritised work like this to help boost consumer confidence in the sector in every corner of NSW.

“With over 700 active construction sites and an estimated 17,000 license holders in the region, there has never been a more important time to support local practitioners in their work to build a better NSW.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“Connecting TAFE NSW students directly with industry regulators gives them a clear understanding of the standards expected on the job from day one.

“With demand for skilled workers continuing to grow, initiatives like this are an important part of building a strong pipeline of qualified tradies in regions like the Hunter.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:

“It was a pleasure to get out to the Hunter to connect with so many outstanding local tradies and community members, who are doing an incredible job continuing to build this region.

“While we are generally pleased with the results from our recent inspections, the number of unlicensed workers is a concern, and something our inspectors will be cracking down on statewide.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer:

“While most businesses are doing the right thing and we are seeing improvements in worksite safety, there are still areas for improvement.

“Findings indicate that building companies in the Hunter need to focus on ensuring any work at heights is being undertaken safely, sites are properly fenced, pits covered, scaffolding maintained and plant and equipment secured at the end of the day. There is no excuse for unsafe practices on construction sites.”

$5.45 million awarded to NSW surf clubs

The Minns Labor Government has awarded $5.45 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

Grants up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.

This year’s program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

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

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the club was among 61 projects to receive funding through the Program.

The club received $782,588 towards its $1.18 million redevelopment project which includes upgrades to amenities, gym, kitchen and multipurpose areas.

Other clubs to receive funding include North Narrabeen which received $600,000 for upgrades to the club hall, café, storage and training areas, and Salt Surf Life Saving Club which received $345,345 for upgrades to the club’s kitchen, deck and bar.

For further information and the list if recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The awarding of $5.45 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

“Wanda Surf Life Saving Club’s redevelopment project will support lifesaving, unite members and strengthen community connections.

“Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment.

“This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.

“Combined with new and upgraded equipment, including Emergency Response Beacons, this investment means our volunteers are better equipped than ever with modern, reliable and safe gear to continue their incredible work.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

“Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

“The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

“Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”