NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]
THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]
AN additional public holiday has been announced for NSW this year. It falls on the Monday following Anzac Day, 25 April, which falls on a weekend. “Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn on Anzac Day to commemorate and remember those who have served,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said. “The additional holiday […]
APPLICATIONS for several funding opportunities are open from 2 February to 13 March 2026. A total funding pool of over $235,000 is available via MidCoast Council. Last year’s funding rounds helped the community deliver over 50 projects. Some of the supported projects included the Forster Main Beach Mural, the purchase of back up power supplies […]
INTERNATIONAL tourism advocacy has taken centre stage in the Hunter region, with a united push for targeted funding to unlock new economic opportunities. Through a joint advocacy effort with Newcastle Airport and Destination Sydney Surrounds North, the Hunter Joint Organisation is calling for $3.85 million in funding over three years to help stimulate international tourism. […]
MEMBER for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp are calling on the Minns Government to urgently double the Small Business Recovery Grant from $25,000 to $50,000. They say Labor has failed communities affected by the March 2025 floods, by allowing the deadline for recovery grants to pass without delivering the support […]
THE NSW Government has launched an intensive pilot program for women leaving prison, which provides accommodation and employment in the Hunter. Funded with a donation from the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, the new residential facility will provide wrap-around support for women leaving custody. Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said, “This is an […]
PALLIATIVE Care Australia (PCA), the peak body for palliative care in Australia, has suggested ideas on how to relieve “bed block” in public hospitals in its 2026 Federal Budget submission. PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said palliative care is a practical, compassionate way to free up hospital beds while giving people the care they need at […]
THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in NSW. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or may cause […]
A MINISTERIAL Direction will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks. Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as high risk. The change will come into effect this month (January 2026), […]
