ASIO watch list for people who attend Khamenei memorial services

Anyone who attends memorial services at mosques in Sydney and Melbournehonouring the so-called “martyrdom” of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should be placed on an ASIO watch list.

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton said it was shocking that Muslim leaders would be encouraging their followers to venerate a man who just machine gunned 30,000 civilisations and has sponsored global Islamic terrorism for decades.

“These events in support of one of the bloodiest butchers of this century are deeply offensive to the many victims of the Iranian regime and to the Iranian diaspora in Australia who fled that tyranny,” Mr Shelton said.

“Any Australian citizen who turns up to this should be put on the ASIO watch list. Anyone on a visa who attends should be deported,” Mr Shelton said.

“The Imams organising this and events like it should be asked to explain why this does not amount to support for terrorism.

“He funded the Islamic terrorists who raped, murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians on October 7.

“He inspired the Muslim mob at the “gas the Jews” protest at the Opera House, two years of pro-Hamas protests on our streets, the Harbour Bridge march where his image was carried by supporters, Bondi and the recent Town Hall protest.

“Too many Australian Muslims have learned nothing from Bondi,” Mr Shelton said.

“Where are the ‘moderate’ Muslim leaders calling this out?

“How are we supposed to believe Islam is a religion of peace? Clearly it is not.

“The event advertised for Arncliffe in Sydney says there will be a reading of the Koran at the service honouring Khamenei. That’s akin to reading the Bible at a memorial in honour of Hitler.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns was right to describe the mourning of the Ayatollah as “atrocious”. By any objective measure, the Iranian regime has a long record of repression, violence and brutality against its own people and the wider region.

Australia has formally listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and last year the Albanese Government expelled Iran’s ambassador following findings that Iranian operatives were linked to anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne.

“In that context, public events in Australia praising or mourning the leader of such a regime amount to support for Islamic terrorism,” Mr Shelton said.

Family First agreed with Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin’s call for any mosques honouring Khamenei to be subject to criminal investigations for links to the IRGC.

Australians should be prepared for travel disruptions

Australians overseas should be prepared for serious travel disruptions in the days ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East.

We understand this will be a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans.

The Albanese Government’s priority is the safety and security of Australians. We will continue to support Australians to navigate the disruption ahead, providing regular travel advice updates and consular assistance where we can, noting there are limits to what any government can do in a fast-moving and uncertain environment.

Many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs. Road and land border closures may also restrict movement.

Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected.

There are flight delays and cancellations, both in the region and globally – including on routes to Europe. Scheduled flights can change at short notice.

There is also a broader security risk in the Middle East. Periods of heightened conflict can increase the threat of protests, civil unrest and, in some cases, terrorist attacks.

Australians should:

  • Closely monitor events and local media.
  • Check directly with their travel agent or airlines to confirm their plans.
  • Review their travel insurance to understand what is covered in the event of cancellations.
  • Follow Smartraveller for the latest advice and subscribe for updates.

Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

It has also opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. The registration portal is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have right of entry into Australia. DFAT will contact registered Australians directly to provide updates.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

Labor’s life sentences for children show they have their priorities all wrong 

The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor for putting children as young as fourteen at risk of life in prison, calling it a prime example of how the Government has lost its way and set its priorities backwards.

The new laws allow children as young as fourteen to receive life sentences. The Greens warn they will do nothing to make communities safer and will, in fact, increase reoffending.

All the evidence shows early contact with the criminal justice system and longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. Like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

The Greens say that Labor trying to liken their approach to cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime is misleading and false. 

Cities around the world that have successfully reduced violence have not relied on tougher sentencing. They adopted whole-of-system public health approaches – investing in early intervention, youth services, housing, healthcare and community support to address the drivers of crime before harm occurs.

Meanwhile in Victoria, crime prevention funding has been cut in recent years, public housing stock has been demolished, and frontline homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services are overwhelmed.

Peak bodies including VCOSS, Homelessness Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association have warned that services cannot meet rising demand, with homelessness services turning people away and long waitlists for treatment.

the Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey:

“Labor’s doubling down on failed policies that won’t make the community any safer. All the evidence shows longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. And just like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

“Labor isn’t taking lessons from the evidence overseas, they’re taking lessons from the Liberals. Literally copy-pasting this policy from the Liberals in Queensland. 

“Labor is doing the opposite of what has worked overseas by cutting prevention, frontline healthcare services, and public housing, all to pay for costly punitive policies that don’t work.

“Real safety starts with stable housing, access to healthcare and mental health support and it means acting now to prevent harm before it happens. We need Labor to stop playing politics with community safety and do what actually works.” 

APRA must level playing field on housing

New Cotality data shows that annual credit growth for investor home lending is tracking at the fastest rate since 2015, which should raise alarm bells for APRA, the national regulator

In 2025, the Greens called on APRA to intervene in the housing crisis by cooling investor lending. Instead, APRA introduced measures to stop high risk loans from 1 February 2026, which the Greens say have failed to address the underlying surge in investor demand.

Independent economist Saul Eslake told media that if APRA had taken stronger action then the RBA may not have had to increase interest rates.

With investor lending out of control, house prices soaring through the roof and further rate hikes on the horizon, the Greens say it’s time for APRA to level the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“If only APRA had intervened when the Greens had asked them to. Instead, the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control while Labor refuses to act.

“The system is stacked against first-home buyers. Investors already have a $100,000 advantage when they bid at auctions. 

“It shouldn’t be easier for wealthy property investors to buy their 5th, 10th, or 20th house. 

“The more houses that property investors buy, the less houses there are available for first-home buyers.

“Australia’s inflation problem is being driven largely by rising house prices, caused by Labor’s failed housing policies.

“Labor’s 5% deposit scheme and $181 billion tax handouts for property hoarders are surging investor demand and spiking house prices, which is the biggest driver of inflation.

“This housing crisis is heading toward a point of no return. We urgently need to cool the overheated investor credit market. 

“APRA must intervene to even out the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. It must use all the tools in its tool box to rein in investor lending that is exacerbating the housing affordability crisis.

“APRA has used its toolkit in the past to cool investor lending and it led to the greatest stabilisation of house prices in 30 years, they need to take that decisive action again.” 

Liberals: 30 Years since the election of the Howard Government

Today marks 30 years since we won the 1996 election. 

Over the next eleven and a half years, our Coalition Government worked to deliver security, prosperity and opportunity, in the interests of all Australians.

With responsible financial management, we reversed Labor’s deficits and restored Australia’s AAA credit rating. 

Internationally, Australia re-asserted the crucial importance of the American alliance and our traditional links with the United Kingdom. We enhanced our relations with nations in our region such as Japan, Indonesia, and China. The Coalition Government never sought to draw a distinction between Australia’s history and her geography.

We repaid $96 billion in debt, and established Australia’s Future Fund.

Our tax reforms replaced outdated indirect taxes with the GST. Substantial income tax relief provided real incentive and reward for effort.

Compulsory unionism was abolished. Workers were provided with more choice. 

Waterfront reforms lifted crane rates by around 60 per cent. The establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission tackled lawlessness on building sites.

Industrial disputes were reduced to their lowest level in over three decades.

From 1996 to 2007, over 2.2 million jobs were created. We halved average inflation and saw interest rates reduced to the levels of the 1960s.

Although strong economic management is part of the Liberal Party’s DNA, we know it is not an end in itself.

With a stronger economy, our government was able to substantially increase funding for services Australians rely on, such as health and education.

We also struck a sensible balance, expanding the choices of families who seek private health insurance, or for their children to go to independent schools.

To keep Australians safe, we invested heavily in Defence and security and worked with allies to meet the challenges following September 11 and the Bali bombings.

Following a great Australian tradition, our Defence and security personnel brought peace and independence to East Timor and delivered stability within our region.

Following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, we took action with the National Firearms Agreement. Since then, the rate of gun deaths and homicides has fallen significantly.

We also took a multi-faceted approach to tackling illicit drugs. This contributed to fewer opioid deaths and lower overall drug use. 

After eleven and a half years, we left Australia more prosperous, secure and confident in its future.

Not only was this measured in economic indicators but, for example, in a reversal of the long-term decline in our birth rate. 

Enormous credit belongs to our team, including Peter Costello as Treasurer, Alexander Downer as Foreign Minister, and Tim Fischer, John Anderson and Mark Vaile as Deputy Prime Ministers.

We operated as a broad church – as custodians of both the liberal and conservative traditions – and as a strong Coalition.

I am incredibly grateful to Liberal supporters across Australia. I would not have achieved anything in public life without the loyalty and commitment of the Liberal Party.

In recent times our Party has experienced difficulties. At times in Opposition, so did I. 

However, our cause remains great, because our values are timeless. 

Now more than ever our Party – and our country – is worth fighting for. 

Thank you once again for your support of the Liberal Party. It has made – and will continue to make – a very real difference to Australia’s future.

John Howard
Prime Minister of Australia (1996 – 2007)

Major Wybong Road upgrade to deliver safer, more resilient link for Upper Hunter

Upper Hunter motorists are set to benefit from safer, stronger and more reliable journeys, with work about to begin on a major $6.3 million upgrade to Wybong Road near Sandy Hollow.

Around 33 kilometres west of Muswellbrook, this critical regional corridor carries approximately 1,800 vehicles each day and plays an important role in connecting local communities, freight operators and industry.

The project forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional road networks, making them more durable, more resilient to flooding and better equipped to support growing regional communities.

Once complete, Wybong Road will feature a wider carriageway and significantly improved flood immunity, reducing closures and maintaining access during severe weather events.

Key works include widening and reshaping the road, installing a new box culvert across Pheeneys Creek, safety barriers, and upgraded line marking and signage to improve safety for all road users.

Construction is scheduled to begin Monday 2 March. During daytime work, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place under stop/go traffic control. At night, both lanes will remain open with a reduced speed of 60km/h.

A road closure is scheduled for Wybong Road after Easter for 13 weeks with a permanent detour along Reedy Creek Rd in place.

Transport for NSW has completed tree clearing and improvements along Reedy Creek Rd to allow for oversize overmass (OSOM) movements.

Work is expected to be completed by July 2026, weather permitting and will be carried out between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday and every second weekend.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“For those living and working in Denman, Merriwa and the surrounding rural areas, these roads aren’t optional extras. They are part of everyday life, connecting people to jobs, schools, services and each other.

“Some of the Hunter’s most picturesque and proudly regional communities are linked by stretches of road that have been neglected for far too long. That puts pressure on families, businesses and farmers who rely on them daily.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering safer, smoother roads for communities across the Hunter – roads that don’t damage vehicles, compromise safety or make everyday travel harder than it needs to be. That’s why these upgrades are so important.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Wybong Road is a vital link for the Upper Hunter, and locals know just how disruptive flooding and road closures can be.

“This investment will deliver a stronger, safer and more flood-resilient road – reducing closures and improving reliability for the 1,800 vehicles that rely on it every day, including freight and heavy vehicles.

“I’m pleased to see work getting underway on this important upgrade, because resilient regional roads aren’t a luxury, they’re essential.”

NSW Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in regional and rural road networks to deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure that keeps communities connected.

“Wybong Road carries around 1,800 vehicles each day, including heavy freight, so this upgrade is a significant win for local residents, industry and the broader Upper Hunter economy.

“By improving flood resilience and reliability, this project will help ensure communities can stay connected during severe weather events.”

Every public school student now has access to high potential and gifted education as Inspire program rolls out

Every public-school student in NSW can now access opportunities to pursue their talents and potential at their local school, with the ground-breaking Inspire program rolling out as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put high potential and gifted education (HPGE) offerings in every public school.

All public schools in NSW are now embedding HPGE in their teaching practices and co-curricular activities, with a range of new programs tailored to each school, such as enrichment streams, extension opportunities and STEM programs.

The fulfilment of the major policy commitment will be announced today by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car at the SMH Schools Summit.

The Inspire program brings together all schools’ high potential and gifted offerings under one banner, shared on school websites, giving parents and carers easy access to information about the opportunities available at their local school.

Paired with an updated school-finder website, where schools are now proactively sharing their availability of places with local communities, parents can more easily plan their child’s schooling if they wish to explore the option of a non-local school.

The rollout of the Inspire program is backed by targeted teacher professional development in gifted education which took place state-wide in 2025, to help ensure all students are challenged to achieve their full potential across academics, the arts, leadership and sport.

As part of its commitment, the Minns Labor Government is investing $100 million to develop state-of-the-art learning facilities for students in 33 high schools selected as HPGE Partner Schools, eight of which completed upgrades for the start of the 2026 school year.

Under the Minns Labor Government’s Inspire program, new extension classes are being offered across comprehensive public high schools.

HPGE Extension Classes are now running in eight public high schools, with more schools to join the initiative next year. The schools were selected to address unmet demand for extension class offerings.

The high schools running new classes in 2026 are:

  • Chifley College: Dunheved Campus
  • Kooringal High School
  • Hunters Hill High School
  • Lisarow High School
  • Elderslie High School
  • Georges River College: Peakhurst Campus
  • Port Hacking High School
  • Riverstone High School

This commitment to support students to reach their full potential is backed by a rebuilt teaching workforce, with vacancies dropping to a 12-year low following Labor’s historic wage rise and additional policies to reduce workload.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We are determined to ensure our public schools are places of excellence, where all students can access opportunities to develop their talents and reach their full potential.

“The Inspire program ensures high potential and gifted students in NSW public schools are identified and their teachers are equipped to provide world-class opportunities for these students to be challenged and pursue their talents.

“The Minns Labor Government is backing the roll-out of Inspire with our $100 million investment in infrastructure upgrades for 33 HPGE Partner Schools, with new extension classes also now in place in more public high schools.

“Importantly, teachers are receiving targeted training to deliver these opportunities in every school, something that can happen thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s wage reform which has seen vacancies shrink to a 12-year-low.

“Selective schools and opportunity classes are no longer the only public pathways for gifted students to pursue excellence. Parents, carers and the community will see high potential and gifted education in action in their local public schools.”

Speeding up the planning system to get shovels in the ground sooner

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to slash red tape and speed up assessment times with the second proclamation that enacts reforms introduced through the NSW Planning Systems Reform Act 2025 enabling fast-tracked pathways that could halve assessment times.

The rollout of landmark planning reforms is now well underway, creating a faster, fairer and modern planning system.

The latest changes will come into effect on 21 March 2026 and include:

  • The ability to create targeted assessment pathways, that could reduce assessment timeframes by up to 50 per cent for low-risk development that have already been subject to strategic planning and community consultation. For example, this could be used to further fast track the approval of Mid-rise pattern book homes.
  • Streamlined 14-day approvals for minor modifications to existing development applications (DAs) that don’t have environmental impacts, to increase certainty for applicants and help avoid construction delays.
  • Where a development application is notrequired – making the environmental assessment of works carried out by state agencies, councils and other public authorities proportionate to the works being done.
  • Fairer review and appeal processes, which give applicants greater flexibility.

The Minns Labor Government is also making the planning system easier to navigate by halving the number of active planning circulars which are in place to help guide people through the planning system. This change will cut the confusion and help applicants speed up planning proposal preparation to further accelerate planning.

This builds on the first proclamation of reforms under the new Act introduced in December 2025 which:

  • Allowed the Development Coordination Authority to begin initial operations.
  • Cemented the Housing Delivery Authority as a permanent pathway.
  • Updated the objects of the act to include climate change, housing delivery and proportionality in assessments.
  • Established new powers to deal with ‘Zombie’ development applications.

Since then, the Government has also exhibited regulatory changes to fully establish the Development Coordination Authority and currently have on public exhibition a new proposed Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy.

This implementation of the Government’s landmark planning reforms will continue over the coming months, with consultation on the first potential targeted assessment pathways and a new consistent statewide community consultation plan. 

The Planning System Reform Act 2025 passed in November 2025 with almost universal support if the NSW Parliament, enabling the most substantive changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in a generation.

Further information on the planning reforms is available at the Planning website

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Labor Government is removing unnecessary roadblocks that have hindered the delivery of new homes, jobs and infrastructure.

“For too long the planning system in NSW has been focused on process rather than outcomes. This led to a situation where around 90 per cent of the development applications being assessed were for lower value projects of $1 million or less.

“We’ve been sweating the small stuff which has led to delays and a system that had lost focus on its role to help deliver more homes, jobs and better environmental outcomes. We’re refocusing planning effort where it matters most by making it faster for low-risk development to get moving so we can get more new keys in more new doors faster.

“By introducing targeted assessment and streamlining modifications we are cutting approval timelines without cutting corners and ultimately improving feasibility for projects right across NSW. Ultimately these changes will help us build a better NSW.”

Over 100 short-term closure orders issued to illegal tobacconists as tobacco excise increases tomorrow

NSW Health Inspectors have now issued 105 short-term closure orders since new laws strengthening tobacco and vaping control efforts came into effect in November 2025.

This milestone comes ahead of a further increase to the federal tobacco excise expected tomorrow, driving concerns this will push more people to illicit market tobacco as the cost disparity between illegal and legal tobacco continues to grow.

Under the November 2025 laws, NSW Health supported by NSW Police make short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.

In the past 10 days, 30 more stores across Hunter New England, Murrumbidgee, Nepean Blue Mountains, Northern Sydney, Sydney, South Eastern Sydney, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney, Illawarra Shoalhaven, and Western NSW Local Health Districts have been shut down immediately for 90 days.

NSW Health inspectors seized approximately 700,000 illicit cigarettes and 3,900 illicit vapes while implementing the Closure Order at these 30 premises.

Further investigations will follow and additional enforcement action, including prosecution, may take place.

In mid-February, NSW Health took action to close a tobacco retailer in Rutherford for the second time after it was found to be in breach of a 90-day closure order for selling illicit tobacco and vapes.

A NSW Local Court can issue a long-term closure order of up to one year if it is satisfied that illicit tobacco or illegal vaping goods have been or are likely to be sold, or if tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products are sold or are likely to be sold without a licence.

The long-term closure orders are part of the NSW Government’s tough new laws to disrupt the supply of illicit tobacco and vaping goods across the state.

Additional reforms under the new legislation include:

  • ​a new offence for the possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
  • new penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco with a maximum penalty of over $1.5 million and 7 years’ imprisonment, or both
  • new lease termination powers for landlords where a closure order is in place
  • new nation-leading offences for falsely claiming to be licensed, resisting seizure, and attempting to retake seized products.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco and vaping goods laws, the NSW Government recently announced the addition of 30 additional full-time equivalent tobacco Inspectors. The new Inspectors brings the dedicated state-wide team, which includes licensing, operational policy and project officers to a total of 78 staff.

Members of the public can lodge complaints about retailers they believe are doing the wrong thing via the complaints portal on the NSW Health website.​

More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The recent closures should serve as a reminder for those people in the community who are doing the wrong thing that we are serious and they will be prosecuted.

“Now with the boost to the numbers of Inspectors on the ground, our work to disrupt the supply of these products is only going to ramp up to continuing protect public health across NSW.

“Our Inspectors actively monitor retailers, and if we find that you are continuing to sell these illicit products after being served a closure order, we will shut you down again and you will face further penalties.

“Despite the increase in the federal tobacco excise this week potentially bolstering the illicit market, we’re getting on with the job of cleaning up our communities and suburbs, doing our part to crack down on illicit tobacco.”

Savour the state’s best: sneak peak into Vivid Sydney’s most highly anticipated food program yet

This year’s Vivid Sydney food program is anticipated to be its biggest yet, showcasing an expanded lineup that celebrates the very best of NSW produce, growers and culinary talent.

With a strong focus on produce-led events, the program will shine a spotlight on the state’s exceptional ingredients and the people who bring them to life.

A standout event is The Long Table Dinner: NSW Icons of Land & Sea, a Vivid Sydney first, which will take over the historic Strand Arcade for one night only, showcasing NSW’s exceptional regional food and wine producers.

On 30 May 2026, guests will be invited to dine after hours inside the Strand Arcade, which will be transformed into an intimate, atmospheric long table setting.

Set beneath the heritage balconies and ornate detailing of one of Sydney’s most treasured buildings, the dinner will offer a rare opportunity to experience the Strand Arcade behind closed doors.

It will celebrate the richness, diversity and innovation of the state’s food and wine producers, championing provenance and craftsmanship at every turn.

Curated and hosted by acclaimed chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Nino Zoccali from The Restaurant Pendolino, the evening will pay homage to iconic NSW ingredients through a bespoke multi-course menu. 

Each dish will highlight world-leading producers from across the state, including select winners and nominees of the Royal Agricultural Society’s President’s Medal.

Guided by broadcaster Simon Marnie, the immersive dinner will blend culture, storytelling and fine dining in a way only a Vivid Food event can deliver.

From 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney will transform the city across 23 unforgettable nights. The program will be unveiled on 11 March, giving audiences even more to explore across light, music, food and minds.

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Culinary tourism is central to the NSW visitor experience, and Vivid Sydney once again celebrates the best our state has to offer.  

“This year’s Vivid Food program is anticipated to be the largest yet. Celebrating NSW’s most iconic food and wine producers, with a long‑table dining experience in a Vivid Sydney first in the historic Strand Arcade will be truly unforgettable.

“NSW Icons of Land and Sea will showcase the strength of this sector and the important role it plays in powering our state’s visitor economy.”

Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said:

“This year’s Vivid Food program explores the connection between food and memory, how every dish holds a story and every flavour carries the spirit of where it came from.

“With the unbeatable ingredients of the winning produce from the Royal Agricultural Society, legendary chef Nino Zoccali, stories of NSW’s culinary culture, and one of the most gorgeous arcades in the world, this event promises to be an unforgettable highlight of Vivid Sydney 2026. Please join us!”

Chef Nino Zoccali from The Restaurant Pendolino said:

“The Restaurant Pendolino is thrilled to be part of Vivid Sydney, showcasing the exceptional food and wine of NSW within one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, the Strand Arcade. In collaboration with the Royal Agricultural Society’s Fine Food Show, the event will spotlight the very best world class produce and wines the state has to offer.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:

“Vivid Sydney is a powerful celebration of the creativity, culture and community that make Sydney so special.

“By opening our city’s iconic buildings for unique winter experiences – including this year’s NSW Icons: Land of Land & Sea at the historic Strand Arcade – the festival brings a renewed vibrancy to the Harbour City, invites everyone to connect with these treasured places in inspiring new ways, and reinforces Sydney’s position as a global destination for arts, innovation and immersive storytelling.”

President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, John Bennett said:

“The Royal Agriculture Society of NSW is honoured to collaborate with The Restaurant Pendolino for this year’s Vivid Sydney festival, offering guests an unforgettable food and wine experience that celebrates Sydney Royal’s award-winning producers and one of the city’s most accomplished chefs.”