16 News

The Port Kembla community is set to benefit from a major boost to local facilities, services and programs, with Marine Rescue NSW among 11 recipients of funding through the latest round of grants from the Minns Government’s Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.

A grant of $240,000 has been awarded to the volunteer-run Marine Rescue Port Kembla for refurbishments to their vessel base, ensuring the facility remains safe, operational and accessible for volunteers and the wider community.

For so many Australians, spending time on the water is part of their way of life, and Marine Rescue volunteers are there to keep us safe.

During the last boating season from October 2025 to April 2026, Marine Rescue Port Kembla performed 79 search and rescue missions, including 45 emergency responses, safely returning 166 people to shore.

Marine Rescue volunteers play a vital role in keeping our communities safe on the water, often in the most challenging conditions. The recent tragedy off Ballina, where volunteers lost their lives during a rescue operation, is a stark reminder of the work they do protecting others.

Across Port Kembla, community projects including upgraded and improved facilities, support for sporting clubs and enhanced local events will share in almost $1 million in funding.

The 11 initiatives supported through the fund will help activate and enhance the Port Kembla Precinct, boost visitation, strengthen community connections, supports jobs, and encourage greater participation in cultural and artistic activities.

Other successful projects funded in this round include:

• $40,000 – Port Kembla Junior Football Club to construct an equipment storage shed at Darcy Wentworth Park
• $82,761 – Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Limited  for its Steel Town Sound project delivering a coordinated program of school-based music education and community music
• $54,253 – Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce to construct two new shades and an accessibility ramp at the PK Skate Park
• $250,000 – Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to replace roofing at its Services Hub
• $65,549 –  Our Community Project to help fund its Creative Connections program
• $81,639 – Regional Arts & Cultural Development Australia for the Port Kembla Festival 2027
• $10,000 – George Cross Falcons Community Centre Inc to upgrade kitchen appliances
• $75,000 – Buckaroo Leatherworks Pty Ltd for upgrades at the Buckaroo Leatherworks manufacturing facility
• $35,228 – Our Community Project for upgrades at Tender Funerals
• $55,000 – Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation to upgrade fencing at the Coomaditchie Hardcourts

The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund provides grants of between $10,000 to $250,000 for projects that will help create a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming Port Kembla precinct, ensuring the community continues to benefit from meaningful investment and long‑term vision.

The Minn Labor Government is committed to working closely with local organisations, businesses and council to deliver projects that enrich the Port Kembla area and support the community’s ongoing growth and development.

The fund is enabled by the long-term lease of the Port Kembla and has now provided $12.89 million to 82 projects since 2016.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“These projects highlight the passion and commitment of the Port Kembla community. Each initiative will help activate the precinct, improve public spaces and create new opportunities for people to come together.

“We’re proud to support projects that strengthen Port Kembla’s identity and enhance the precinct for residents and visitors. This investment reflects our commitment to backing regional communities with ideas that deliver real outcomes.

“Port Kembla plays a vital role in the Illawarra’s economy and community life. These projects will help strengthen that role by revitalising key spaces, supporting local organisations and creating new opportunities for people to come together and enjoy everything the precinct has to offer.”

Minister for Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“Port Kembla continues to grow and shine as a community‑driven precinct. These projects will help activate local spaces, support events and create new opportunities for people to connect.

“These initiatives show the strength and creativity of the Port Kembla community. By backing these ideas, we’re helping build a precinct that is vibrant, welcoming and ready for the future.

“Port Kembla is a vital part of the region’s identity, and these projects will add even more energy to the precinct. This investment supports local organisations to deliver improvements the whole community can enjoy.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“It’s great to see local organisations leading projects that will make a real difference to Port Kembla. These initiatives will improve facilities, activate community spaces, supports jobs and the area’s ongoing revitalisation.

“These projects show what can be achieved when the community drives the vision. They will leave a lasting impact on Port Kembla and help strengthen the area for future generations.

“This funding supports practical improvements that Wollongong’s southern suburbs have been calling for. These projects will help create a more connected, accessible and welcoming area.”

Marine Rescue Port Kembla Unit Commander Kevin Bradley:

“We are grateful to the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund for its support and thank the NSW Government for backing our mission of saving lives on the water.

“These important improvements will support our volunteers as they continue to provide emergency response to both local and visiting boaters across the Illawarra region.

“Marine Rescue Port Kembla covers a large operational area, from the coastline of the Royal National Park through to the southern Illawarra, regularly assisting boaters and supporting emergency services both offshore and on enclosed waters.”

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music CEO, Annette Brown said:

“This funding makes a real difference for our community. It means young people in Port Kembla can learn music, play together and then step out onto a stage and be part of something bigger.

“We’re proud to be working with our First Nations music educators to make sure these opportunities are inclusive, connected and genuinely reflect the community they’re part of.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support. Funding like this creates real opportunities for young people and will have a lasting impact well beyond the life of the grant.”

Sydney Harbour will be the stage for the first trial of an electric ferry, with contracts signed to build the locally-designed, Australian-made vessel.

Shipyard Richardson Devine Marine will begin building the trial vessel later this year.

The seven Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferries, representing an investment of $49.6 million, have been a success after their staged launch since May 2024. 

After it’s built, the new 24-metre, battery electric ferry will be trialled for 12 months from early 2028 and is likely to service the new Sydney Fish Markets route when it enters passenger service in 2029.

Shoreside charging infrastructure will be installed at Barangaroo Wharf to enable the trial.

The first electric ferry is modelled on the new Parramatta River Class ferries, designed by Sydney-based naval architects Incat Crowther.

The performance of the Australian-made ferries has contrasted with the River Class ferries purchased overseas by the former Liberal government which hit the water mired in controversy due to steering defects, asbestos contamination and a threat to passenger safety when passing under low bridges on the Parramatta River.

The electric trial will provide valuable insights as the NSW Government considers the wider transition away from diesel-powered ferries over coming years.

No decisions have yet been made to invest in more electric fleet until Transport for NSW and private ferries operator Transdev Sydney Ferries assess the performance and service range of the first electric trial.

Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has invested $120 million in our ferry fleet, including new River Class vessels and upgrades to the Freshwater fleet.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The first trial of an electric ferry on Sydney Harbour is an important moment for our iconic ferry fleet which will transition from diesel propulsion over coming years, informed by this first vessel.

“This Northern Beaches-designed, Australian-built ferry will provide a quieter ride and cleaner air on the Harbour.

Transport for NSW Co-ordinator General Howard Collins

“This 12-month trial is an important learning opportunity. It will allow us to test the vessel’s performance, reliability, and charging systems in real-world conditions while gathering feedback from passengers and crew.”

“Once in regular service, the ferry could also operate on new routes, including services to the new Sydney Fish Market, expanding access to one of Sydney’s most popular waterfront destinations.”

The Minns Government and Surfing Australia are today announcing Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival will return to Kingscliff Beach next month, with $110,000 support from the NSW government.

Now in its fourth year, Seas The Day is the world’s largest women’s surfing festival. Running from 20-21 June 2026, it brings women and crowds from across Australia to New South Wales’s beautiful North Coast beaches each year.

The women’s surf competition focuses on creating a pressure-free, fun and inclusive environment while parents can also get involved to assist under-14s to catch waves.

Seas The Day encourages women of all ages and abilities to paddle out, get involved in the surf industry and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that come with surfing and an ocean-inspired lifestyle.

The free festival will see family-friendly surf film screenings, live music and entertainment running across the weekend, alongside talks from female professional surfers, leaders in wellness, sustainability and photography.

A crowd-favourite, the Celebrity Surf Challenge also returns in 2026, with world champions, media personalities, and Olympians from various sports hitting the water together all supporting the movement of women in sport.

Attendees can also join the physical and mental health focused workshops including yoga, ice baths and breath work.

In 2025, the event broke its own attendance records with 314 women surfing in the competition and more than 15,000 attendees soaking up everything on offer at the festival.

The Minns Labor Government is boosting women’s participation in sport through Play Her Way, partnering with the sector to break down barriers for women and adolescent girls both on and off the field and identify new opportunities to grow participation and engagement.

The Government has committed $1 million to implement the Play Her Way Strategy from 2024–2028, alongside an additional $4.118 million across sport sector initiatives that support its outcomes.

The Office of Sport has also secured $1.3 million through a partnership with Transport for NSW (2024–2027) as part of the Safer Cities project to deliver Run My Way, improving safety for women, girls and gender diverse people participating in running.

Visit the Seas The Day Women’s Surfing Festival website to find out more.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to helping more women and girls take part in and stay involved in sport across NSW.

“Seas The Day is a fantastic opportunity for female surfers of all ages and abilities to compete or give surfing a go in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

“I encourage all female surfers, and anyone interested in surfing and wellness, to seize the day and be part of the world’s largest surfing event.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Minns Government is proud to support the wonderful Seas the Day festival as it goes from strength to strength in encouraging women and girls to participate in surfing and become part of a community and industry focused on health and wellbeing.  

“The festival plays an important role in providing a welcoming, pressure-free opportunity for women and girls of all ages to grab a board and enjoy the waves.  Whether it be to compete, share waves with friends or to simply be in the water – surfing has so many benefits.

“If you live in, or are planning on visiting the North Coast, I encourage you to head over to Kingscliff to cheer on the women and girls as they hit the waves.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“The North Coast is the heart of Australian surfing, and I am thrilled to see Kingscliff once again take centre stage for the world’s largest women’s surfing festival.

“Our region has shown incredible resilience over the past year. Events like Seas The Day bring our community together while showcasing our world-class breaks to thousands of visitors who, in turn, provide a vital boost to our local businesses and regional economy.

“I look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our shores to witness the talent and passion of female surfers from across the country.”

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Symington said:

“It is a privilege to see the NRMA Insurance Seas The Day return to Kingscliff Beach for its fourth consecutive year.

“The event has become a key moment on the surfing calendar, reflecting the continued growth, strength and professionalism of women’s surfing in Australia. The strong levels of participation, community engagement and performance highlight the positive trajectory the sport is on.

“Surfing Australia thanks the NSW Government for their ongoing support, which has played a central role in enabling the event’s growth and long-term success.

“I look forward to seeing you all at Kingscliff in June for what promises to be a very special weekend.”

A year since the Minns Labor Government banned no-grounds evictions for the first time, renters are experiencing greater security and stronger protections in the rental market.

As part of the Government’s landmark reforms to make renting fairer, landlords have been required to provide a valid reason to end a tenancy since May 2025 – placing a ban on no-grounds evictions.

Prior to these changes, many renters were feeling unable to assert their rights for fear of being evicted, with an estimated 45 per cent of leases ending without a reason given.

That is no longer the case. A landlord can only end a lease if they have a genuine reason that is listed in our rental laws. These new requirements are providing greater transparency for renters and helping to build confidence in the rental market.

Since the Government passed legislation to ban no-grounds evictions a year ago, only around 30 termination matters investigated by the NSW Rental Taskforce were found to be in breach of the new laws. Where non-compliance has occurred, fines totalling $65,450 have been issued.

Compulsory reporting to NSW Fair Trading shows 84 per cent of tenancies are also ending through renters’ choice rather than landlord action.

These changes are having direct and tangible benefits for renters, ensuring they are better informed of their rights and more likely to escalate matters that require intervention by the regulator.

Renters are increasingly seeking information about their rights and reporting potential breaches, with visits to the NSW Government’s rental website increasing tenfold.

The Rental Taskforce complements this support by prioritising compliance and enforcement action against no-grounds evictions, and actively intervening to ensure compliance with the new laws.

Since the Rental Taskforce commenced one year ago, NSW Fair Trading has shifted to a more proactive model, identifying 7,712 rental compliance matters and issuing almost 600 fines so far to the value of nearly $421,650. This represents around 15 times the level of rental compliance activity recorded the year before.

Backed by an $8.4 million investment, the Taskforce is helping renters get advice earlier, resolve issues faster, stay in their homes where possible, and have greater confidence that rental protections are being actively enforced.

These results are part of the Government’s reforms to make renting fairer. The Government has: 

• Banned no-grounds evictions.
• Limited rent increases to once a year.
• Ensured renters have fee-free ways to pay rent.
• Banned fees for background checks.
• Made it easier to have pets in rentals.
• Invested $6.6 million to build Smart Rental Bonds an initiative due to be launched in mid-2026 that will help renters save thousands of dollars when moving home. 

Renters, landlords and agents are encouraged to report misconduct to NSW Fair Trading by visiting https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/complaints-and-enquiries/housing-and-property or on 13 32 20.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Right now, the 2.3 million renters across NSW are feeling the pressure as rising costs and global uncertainty continue to put household budgets under strain.

“That’s why banning no-grounds evictions and stopping renters from facing constant uncertainty was such an important reform. No family or student should have to worry about being forced out of their home without a reason or facing rent increases every few months.

“A year on, these reforms are helping give renters greater security and certainty, so young people and families can focus on getting on with their lives.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“We heard renters when they told us how it felt to live in a state of uncertainty, afraid to ask for a simple repair for fear that it could end with an eviction notice.

“Twelve months ago, we ended a decades-old arrangement that allowed people to be kicked out of their homes for no reason at all.

“We know there’s still more work to do to make improve the system for renters, but this is a solid step in the right direction.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“One year on, it’s clear that the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to make renting fairer.

“After over a decade of inaction from the Liberals and Nationals, renters can finally feel secure knowing they will not be unfairly evicted from their homes.

“These numbers speak for themselves: renters are empowered, and the new laws are working.

“This is all part of the Government’s plan to create a more transparent property market for everyone in NSW.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“Ending no‑grounds evictions has fundamentally changed the balance in the rental market. A year on, the data shows high compliance with the law and far greater transparency for renters, who can now see clearly why a tenancy is ending and assert their rights with confidence.

“With more than two million people in NSW renting a home it’s pleasing to see they both understand their rights and are being treated fairly.

“Since these landmark reforms were introduced, we’re seeing more renters empowered with the right information and responding proactively increasing compliance against those doing the wrong thing.”

CEO of Committee for Sydney Eamon Waterford said:

“A year ago, we said renters deserve to put down roots. Twelve months on, the third of Sydneysiders who rent can settle their kids in school, get to know their neighbours and raise issues with their landlord without fearing an unfounded eviction notice.

“With renting now the dominant tenure type in Sydney, we need laws that are fit for life, not just a few years.”

“This isn’t just good social policy, it’s smart economic policy. When renters have stability and security, they’re more focused and productive at work. Sydney businesses told us that directly.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals today slammed Labor’s chaotic renewable energy rollout, after the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner raised serious concerns about the impact of the rapid rollout of large-scale renewable energy projects. 
  
In a letter to the Minister, the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar warned the Minister the current approach was:  
 
“…both failing to capture the significant cumulative impacts affecting regional communities and to ensure a coordinated approach which would minimise impacts.” 
  
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said it was concerning to see that Mr Mahar had to raise these issues again despite repeated conversations. 
  
“This is a damning review of the Minns Labor Government’s bungled renewable energy rollout which is leaving regional communities worse off,” Ms Sloane said. 
  
“The communities being asked to host this infrastructure in their backyards have been ignored, rushed, and left to navigate an unbalanced system.” 
  
“NSW needs a renewable energy transition that properly considers communities and inspires investor confidence. We cannot cut corners.” 
  
Shadow Energy Minister James Griffin said it was also troubling that the Commissioner said concerns had increased over time.  
  
“The Minns Labor Government needs to answer the questions that the Commissioner has asked and make those answers public,” Mr Griffin said. 
  
“Every time this government cuts corners on consultation or ignores issues like the ones raised by the Commissioner, it drives up energy project risk and drives down investor confidence.” 
  
“Will this government dismiss the Commissioner’s concerns? Or are they willing to listen. When a federal watchdog is warning that communities cannot see the full picture of projects coming their way, it proves that Labor’s approach is not coordinated, not transparent and not sustainable.” 

NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane has announced that a Liberals and Nationals Government would deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.  
 
The Opposition also committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men and boy’s health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the delivery of the Strategy.  
 
Leading men’s health organisations from across NSW joined the Liberals and Nationals at NSW Parliament where Ms Sloane said she wanted the state to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia.  
 
“A 10-year Strategy is about us saying that we don’t accept the status quo and want to deliver a better future for every man and boy in NSW where they have access to the health and support services that will ensure they thrive,” said Ms Sloane. 
 
“The strategy will set clear targets for reducing male suicide, strengthen prevention and early intervention pathways, and improve access to services in regional and outer metropolitan communities.” 
  
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell said that too many men were still dying early from preventable causes and that regional communities often face the highest disparity when it comes to premature mortality. 
  
“Every man and boy in NSW, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. A dedicated Men and Boy’s Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring our progress,” said Ms Mitchell.  
  
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Matt Cross said surviving cancer and the birth of his son has shaped his drive to radically improve health outcomes for men and boys in NSW. 
  
“Men are far less likely to visit a doctor. I know this firsthand, as I delayed seeking help when I was anaemic. There are lots of reasons. Fear of the unknown. Worried it feels weak. Embarrassment. It’s even a misguided bravado and pride. It’s all dangerous and it must change,” said Mr Cross.