Australian Government Secures Commitments to Maintain Regional Banking Services
The Australian Government has successfully secured commitments from major banks to ensure that banking services remain available in regional areas. This initiative aims to address the decline in regional banking services, with 36% of bank branches in regional Australia having closed since 2017
The Australian Government has successfully secured commitments from major banks to ensure that banking services remain available in regional areas. This initiative aims to address the decline in regional banking services, with 36% of bank branches in regional Australia having closed since 2017
Moratorium on Branch Closures: NAB has committed to a new moratorium on regional branch closures, with CBA and Westpac extending their existing moratoriums. These commitments ensure no regional branch closures by these banks before 31 July 2027.
New Bank@Post Agreements: CBA, NAB, and Westpac have reached new in-principle agreements with Australia Post, and ANZ has agreed on key terms to join the service. These agreements will enhance the financial outlook for Bank@Post and provide greater certainty and choice for banking customers in rural and regional areas.
The Government is also working on longer-term options to ensure sustainable banking services, including a focus on cash distribution and accessibility.
Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, emphasized the importance of these measures in keeping regional communities connected and thriving.
2025 National Awards for Local Government
Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, celebrating locally led innovation. Now in their 39th year, these awards honor local councils across 13 categories.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, celebrating locally led innovation. Now in their 39th year, these awards honor local councils across 13 categories.
New Categories for 2025:
Affordable Housing: Recognising leaders and projects addressing housing need from policy, planning, social, or infrastructure perspectives.
Outstanding Rural and Remote Council: Honoring achievements of smaller, more remote or rural councils.
Key Details:
Nominations Open: Until 17th of March 2025
Voting Period: 18th of March to the 18th of April
Eligibility: All elected local government organisations and associations, and other recognised organisations providing direct services to Australian communities
Examples of Winning Projects from 2024:
Armidale Regional Council’s Girls in Civil program
City of Launceston’s public Wi-Fi network rollout
Wyndham City Council’s LIT light experience
Early Works Begin on Inland Rail Safety Upgrades in Regional NSW
In a significant move to enhance transportation safety and efficiency, early works are set to commence on the removal of two railway level crossings and the implementation of improved safety measures along the Inland Rail project corridor near Parkes and Illabo in regional New South Wales. This initiative, backed by a combined investment of $350 million from the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government, aims to revolutionize the region's transport infrastructure.
In a significant move to enhance transportation safety and efficiency, early works are set to commence on the removal of two railway level crossings and the implementation of improved safety measures along the Inland Rail project corridor near Parkes and Illabo in regional New South Wales. This initiative, backed by a combined investment of $350 million from the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government, aims to revolutionize the region's transport infrastructure.
The project will see the level crossings on the Newell Highway at Tichborne and the Olympic Highway at Harris Gates replaced with grade-separated crossings, such as overpasses or underpasses. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve road and rail safety, while also facilitating faster and more reliable freight delivery.
Geotechnical investigations, biodiversity studies, and Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys at the Tichborne site will commence on Wednesday, February 12th. These works will be conducted on weekdays from 7am to 6pm until the end of March, weather permitting. During this period, intermittent traffic changes, including stop/slow traffic movements, will be in place on the Newell Highway. Similar investigations at the Harris Gates intersection are scheduled to follow in the coming months.
The Inland Rail project is part of a broader $450 million commitment to grade-separating Inland Rail interfaces with roads across NSW. This initiative aims to enhance national freight and supply chain networks while reducing transport emissions and improving road safety. Once completed, the project will enable double-stacked train movements up to 1.8 kilometres long, boosting the efficiency of goods transportation between Melbourne and Brisbane via inland NSW.
This development is expected to create thousands of jobs and better connect regional businesses, manufacturers, and producers to national and global markets, ultimately benefiting the regional economy and enhancing the overall safety and reliability of Australia's transport infrastructure.
New Australian Government Drought Plan
The Australian Government has released a new Drought Plan aimed at guiding and explaining policies and programs for farming businesses and communities as they prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought. This plan is a significant step towards providing clear, coordinated, and collaborative support for those affected by drought conditions.
The Australian Government has released a new Drought Plan aimed at guiding and explaining policies and programs for farming businesses and communities as they prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought. This plan is a significant step towards providing clear, coordinated, and collaborative support for those affected by drought conditions.
Key Features of the Drought Plan:
Clear Guidance: The plan offers a detailed explanation of what the government will and won’t do during droughts, ensuring that farmers have a clear understanding of available support.
Program Details: It outlines the various programs available to assist farmers before, during and after droughts, providing a comprehensive support framework.
Improved Coordination: The plan promotes better coordination of drought-related programs across Australian, state, and territory governments, aiming for a more unified approach.
collaborative Efforts: It seeks to work closely with farmers, their communities, the agriculture and finance sectors, and other government and non-government organisations to address drought challenges effectively.
The Drought Plan supports the National Drought Agreement (NDA) which was signed earlier this year between the Commonwealth, states, and territories. It explains how the Australian Government will meet its obligations under the agreement, covering measures for drought preparedness and support for farmers in hardship, regardless of when and where drought conditions occur.
This 5-year plan is a crucial tool in ensuring that farming communities are better equipped to handle the impacts of drought, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive even in challenging conditions.
Job Opportunity: Executive Director at Eastern Riverina Arts
Job Opportunity: Eastern Riverina Arts is looking for their next Executive Director
Easter Riverina Arts is on the lookout for a visionary and strategic Executive Director to lead a dynamic team and make a significant impact across the region. This role involves championing arts and cultural initiatives, fostering transformative partnerships, overseeing sector development programs, and cultivating a positive, high-achieving organisational culture.
The ideal candidate will have proven executive experience in strategy, finance, and people management, along with a deep passion for arts, culture, and community.
Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 10th February 2025
Job listing: https://www.easternriverinaarts.org.au/news/job-opportunity-executive-director
Eastern Riverina Arts Announces Exciting Art Commissions
Eastern Riverina Arts is thrilled to announce two new art commissions for the Station Creative Workspace in Wagga Wagga. The first Commission is for an Acoustic Artwork in the meeting room, themed around Voice and Collaboration. This piece will enhance the room’s acoustics while complementing its professional atmosphere.
The second commission is for a large-Scale Installation in the stairwell, themed around Interconnection and Creative Evolution. This bold and innovative artwork will reflect the identity of the creative hub and inspire everyone who passes through.
Key Details:
Budget: $2500 (+GST) per commission
Timeline: Completion by 1st May 2025
EOIs Close: 17th February 2025
Eligibility: Open to creatives in the Eastern Riverina Arts service region
Arts are invited to submit their proposals, including their concept, timeline, and budget, for a chance to bring their vision to life at the station.
Telstra's 3G Network Shutdown: A Step Towards Enhanced Connectivity
Telstra has officially closed its 3G network, marking a significant milestone in its journey to enhance customer experiences and meet the growing demands of Australians. This transition allows Telstra to repurpose the 3G spectrum for its more advanced 4G and 5G networks, which are better equipped to handle modern data demands.
Telstra has officially closed its 3G network, marking a significant milestone in its journey to enhance customer experiences and meet the growing demands of Australians. This transition allows Telstra to repurpose the 3G spectrum for its more advanced 4G and 5G networks, which are better equipped to handle modern data demands.
Expanding 5G Coverage
Telstra has already rolled out 5G coverage to over 500 towns across Australia and continues to expand this footprint by repurposing the 3G spectrum. This move aims to bring faster and more reliable connectivity to even more communities
Customer Support Initiatives
Recognising the challenges some customers face with the transition; Telstra has launched a dedicated 3G helpline. Available at 1800 990 853 from 8am to 7pm AEDT, Monday to Friday, this helpline is staffed by experts ready to assist with any 3G-related issues. The company has also provided nearly 19,000 free mobile phones to support customers during this transition.
Network Improvements
Over the past five years, Telstra has upgraded over 12,000 4G mobile sites and expanded its 5G network. The company's mobile network now covers 3 million square kilometers and reaches 99.7% of the Australian population. These efforts are part of Telstra's ongoing commitment to delivering the best technology and connectivity to its customers
Telstra remains dedicated to continuous investment in its network infrastructure, ensuring that customers receive top-notch connectivity and support. The closure of the 3G network is a crucial step in accelerating the expansion of 5G, promising a brighter, more connected future for all Australians.
$3 million to support leak detection and water efficiency
The NSW Government is charging ahead with its commitment to save billions of litres of water by injecting $3 million into round 2 of its innovative Active Leak Detection Project, helping to boost long-term water security for regional towns and cities across New South Wales.
Source: $3 million to support leak detection and water efficiency
Media Release: Minister for Water
The NSW Government is charging ahead with its commitment to save billions of litres of water by injecting $3 million into round 2 of its innovative Active Leak Detection Project, helping to boost long-term water security for regional towns and cities across New South Wales.
It forms part of the hugely successful Water Efficiency and Regional Leakage Reduction Program that has secured $11.3 million in further funding, on top of an initial $12.5 million investment, to continue its activities in the regions over the next two years.
The program has already achieved impressive results between 2022 and 2024, clocking up a staggering 7,500 megalitres (ML) per year in water savings in over 60 regional locations.
This next round aims to save up to 4,000ML of water per year, or enough to meet the annual water needs of around 20,000 NSW regional households.
The active leak detection project uses cutting-edge equipment including noise loggers, electronic listening sticks, ground microphones and leak noise correlators to detect leaks within local water networks that will then be repaired by local councils.
Crews will survey approximately 6,000 kilometres of regional water supply mains across more than 40 high priority areas that are severely impacted during dry months including Warrumbungle Shire, Warren, Moree Plains, Forbes, Cobar, Dubbo and Lithgow.
The NSW Government is locking in more locations over the coming weeks.
The next stage of the program will also focus on identifying leaks in residential properties, with homeowners to be notified if issues are found. Work commenced in January and will be rolled out until June 2026.
The $35.3 million Water Efficiency and Regional Leakage Reduction Program aims to create a more sustainable and resilient water future for country towns and cities across the state.
For more information, visit the Regional Leakage Reduction Program webpage.
Funding boost for veterans projects around NSW
More than $124,000 in funding has been provided to 99 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations from Wyong to Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra to Coogee, Winston Hills to Wollondilly as part of the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.
Source: Funding boost for veterans projects around NSW
Media Release: Minister for Veterans
More than $124,000 in funding has been provided to 99 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations from Wyong to Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra to Coogee, Winston Hills to Wollondilly as part of the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.
Minister for Veterans David Harris announced today that $124,629 will be provided to a wide variety of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.
The 2024 round of the ACGP received 116 applications, surpassing the number received last year with a record amount of funding requested. Up to $3,000 was provided to help fund each of the 99 projects around the state, with veterans as well as the wider community benefitting from the projects delivered from this round, including 34 schools, 20 RSL sub-Branches and 15 Councils.
Grant recipients include Wyalong Public School in the state’s west with funding to enhance their commemorative garden and Goulburn Mulwaree Council to support the display of the significant CEW Bean Military Collection.
For the full list of 2024 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2024
Short-term Regional, Rural and Remote employment program expanded
A highly successful regional, rural and remote deployment program for key health care roles is set to be expanded over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to be posted to short term placements across NSW.
Source: Short-term Regional, Rural and Remote employment program expanded
Media Release: Minister for Regional Health
A highly successful regional, rural and remote deployment program for key health care roles is set to be expanded over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to be posted to short term placements across NSW.
The NSW Health Deployment Program was first established in May 2023 to create a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles.
The short-term positions of between two and 13 weeks offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to travel and work in regional, rural and remote parts of NSW they may never have visited, with accommodation and travel costs covered.
The NSW Government is currently seeking healthcare workers from more than 20 professions including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals for a range of short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across NSW.
The initial success of the program so far has seen 90 staff undertake hundreds of deployments across the state in priority roles such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and physiotherapy.
NSW Health will now increase the team to around 400 to further strengthen its support to regional, rural and remote areas
Healthcare workers seeking a role with NSW Health, or current staff, are encouraged to register their interest via the NSW Health website.
The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:
Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workers
Investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation
Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities
Boosting subsidies for regional health workers.
Contract awarded as Sheahan Bridge upgrade planning project progresses
The $20 million jointly funded planning project for the Sheahan Bridge Upgrade project on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has moved into its next phase of development with a contract awarded to provide a concept design for the bridge’s upgrade or replacement.
Source: Contract awarded as Sheahan Bridge upgrade planning project progresses
Media Release: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Australian and NSW Governments are progressing plans for an upgrade of a key bridge on one of Australia’s busiest road freight corridors, as part of efforts to unlock access for more heavy vehicles.
The $20 million jointly funded planning project for the Sheahan Bridge Upgrade project on the Hume Highway at Gundagai has moved into its next phase of development with a contract awarded to provide a concept design for the bridge’s upgrade or replacement.
WSP Australia Pty Ltd will provide concept design development and environmental assessment of potential upgrade or replacement options for the northbound bridge over the Murrumbidgee River.
The current northbound bridge was built in 1977, with duplication of the southbound lanes officially opened to traffic by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 25 May 2009 when he was Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
While the load limit was increased from 68 to 85 tonnes in 2020 on the northbound bridge, for the safety of motorists Higher Productivity Vehicles still have to use a permit to travel on the NSW section of the Hume Highway due to the age of the bridge and structure limitations.
These limitations on the northbound bridge also restrict opportunities for contraflow during emergency response or planned maintenance activities on the southbound bridge.
The Federal and NSW Labor Governments are working together to ensure that this major bridge on the Hume Highway, the oldest and busiest highway in NSW, which follows the 200-year-old track traversed by Hume and Hovell in 1824, can meet the challenges of 21st century road freight.
The upgrade planning project will investigate potential solution options which include:
building a replacement bridge on a new alignment upstream (east) or downstream (west) of the existing bridge
replacing the existing bridge on its current alignment
strengthening the existing bridge.
Transport for NSW is now working with the contractor to further investigate each alternative and identify a preferred option.
It is expected a preferred option will be identified for public display in mid-2026 and Transport will keep the community updated as the project progresses.
Albanese Government delivering free broadband for 30,000 unconnected Australian families
The Albanese Government has announced an additional $4.9 million in funding to NBN Co to extend the free School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to 30 June 2028, to ease cost of living pressures and narrow the digital divide for unconnected families with school children.
Source: Albanese Government delivering free broadband for 30,000 unconnected Australian families
The Albanese Government has announced an additional $4.9 million in funding to NBN Co to extend the free School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to 30 June 2028, to ease cost of living pressures and narrow the digital divide for unconnected families with school children.
More than 23,000 families across the country are already accessing free NBN broadband through the SSBI, and this additional funding will assist more families to access the program.
Families save around $1,000 a year through the program, and it allows children who otherwise would have difficulty accessing the internet connections that are crucial to modern learning to have the same opportunities as their peers.
The program was due to finish in 2025. The extension will now allow the free services to continue for new and existing families until 30 June 2028, with up to 30,000 places available in the program. It brings the Albanese Government’s total investment in the program to $13.7 million.
To be eligible, families and carers must:
have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school;
have no active broadband service over the NBN network in the last 14 days; and
live in a premises where they can access standard NBN services.
Once a family is assessed as eligible, they are issued with a unique voucher which they can redeem with one of the participating internet providers. The free service begins from the day the service is activated until 30 June 2028 and is available across all NBN technologies
To apply, families and carers are encouraged to contact the National Referral Centre run by Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm AEDT) or visit: www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
For more information on the program visit: School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Art
Championing creativity and diversity during NSW Women’s Week 2025
Fifteen organisations across New South Wales have received a share of more than $430,000 to host events that highlight women’s creativity, diversity and empowerment during this year’s Women’s Week.
Source: Championing creativity and diversity during NSW Women’s Week 2025
Fifteen organisations across New South Wales have received a share of more than $430,000 to host events that highlight women’s creativity, diversity and empowerment during this year’s Women’s Week.
The NSW Government is building better communities where women and girls can achieve their potential and thrive.
Women’s Week Grants have been running since 2018 to fund innovative events that empower women and girls to participate in our communities, to advance gender equality in the longer term.
The 15 successful recipients of the 2025 Women’s Week Grants include:
Interrelate Ltd - Empowerment through education: addressing the need for menstrual education to support young women in need (Coonamble LGA)
Kiama Municipal Council - Paint the Town Femme (Kiama LGA)
Powerhouse Youth Theatre Inc. - Khair (خير): A Woman's Tale (Fairfield LGA)
NSW Tonga Netball Association Inc - Her Journey (Queanbeyan-Palerang LGA)
Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council - Yinaagirbang Maywang (Women Together) (Mid-Western LGA)
Accessible Arts - Wellbeing Through Art (City of Sydney LGA)
African Sub-Sahara International Development Agency (ASSIDA) - African Women Celebration Week (Liverpool LGA)
SSI - Settlement Service International - Celebrating the diversity of regional women (Coffs Harbour LGA)
Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council - Rise & Shine: Gamilaroi Women’s Week Celebration (Liverpool Plains LGA)
Lane Cove Council - Resilience and Radiance (Lane Cove LGA)
Diversity Arts Australia - Empowering Diversity: Women in Arts and Creativity Symposium (Parramatta LGA)
Northern Beaches Council - NSW Women's Week Writing and Poetry Workshop Series - Celebrating Female Authors living with a Disability (Northern Beaches LGA)
Nourish Nation Foundation Inc – Nourishing Women: A Path to Health Empowerment (Wagga Wagga LGA)
Randwick City Council – Women’s Work art show and live music performance (Randwick LGA)
Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Organisation –Because of Her, We Can: Health and Wellbeing in Far West NSW (Broken Hill, Central Darling Shire and Balranald LGAs)
NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 March, is an annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women in our state.
The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre is the culmination the week-long celebrations and will be held in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.
To find out more about Women’s Week 2025 events, visit NSW Women's Week 2025 | NSW Government.
New life-saving defibrillators awarded for NSW sports facilities
The NSW Government today announced the delivery of almost 200 life-saving defibrillators to sporting and recreation organisations across the state. This announcement brings the total number of devices awarded under this program to more than 2,500 defibrillators.
Source: New life-saving defibrillators awarded for NSW sports facilities
The NSW Government today announced the delivery of almost 200 life-saving defibrillators to sporting and recreation organisations across the state.
This announcement brings the total number of devices awarded under this program to more than 2,500 defibrillators.
Every year, more than 9,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of hospitals and these defibrillators play a key role in helping save the lives of a number of these people.
These portable defibrillators detect and analyse a person’s heart activity and, if needed, deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart.
The NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators.
A total of $500,000 has been made available each year to NSW sporting organisations to pay for these devices.
Importantly, approximately 80 per cent of defibrillators awarded under this round of funding went to regional and remote communities, where emergency medical services naturally are further apart.
This follows a decision made by the Minns Labor Government to ensure funding was directed to grassroots sporting organisations in some of NSW’s most disadvantaged areas for new life-saving defibrillators at local sports facilities.
The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our grassroots sporting communities and ensuring local facilities are fit-for-purpose.
To view the full list of recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program
NBN Co announces upgrades for the remaining homes and businesses on Fibre to the Node
With up to $3 billion from the Australian Government and $800 million from NBN Co aims to upgrade over 95% of these premises to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology, providing faster speeds and greater reliability.
NBN Co has announced a significant investment to upgrade the remaining homes and businesses on the Fibre to the Node (FTTN) network across Australia. This initiative, supported by an equity investment of up to $3 billion from the Australian Government and an additional $800 million from NBN Co, aims to enhance broadband services for around 622,000 premises.
Key Highlights:
More than 95% of the affected homes and businesses will have the option to upgrade to nbn® full fibre via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), offering faster and more reliable internet.
The program positively impacts our region, providing an upgrade path for the remaining areas across Riverina region that are served by FTTN and not already in the Fibre Upgrade program. This includes significant parts of the major towns that were not currently in any planning phase for conversion from FTTN to Full Fibre
Albanese Government supports continued operation of Rex
The Federal Government will acquire $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited (PAG), an important step to prevent an adverse outcome for regional communities, and ensure the continued connectivity of Australia’s regional and remote communities.
Source: Albanese Government supports continued operation of Rex
The Albanese Government is ensuring Rex Airlines regional services will continue, supporting the administrators on next steps.
The Government will today acquire $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited (PAG), an important step to prevent an adverse outcome for regional communities, such as liquidation, and ensure the continued connectivity of Australia’s regional and remote communities.
By acquiring the debt, the Government will become the principal secured creditor and will seek to become a voting member of the Committee of Inspection.
Whilst the accelerated initial sale process undertaken by the Administrators in mid-2024 did not find a suitable buyer for the airlines’ regional operations, the Government continues to work closely with the Administrators through the extended convening period.
This makes clear the Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies.
This announcement builds on previous action, including the Albanese Government providing a commercial loan of up to $80 million to the Administrators to keep Rex’s vital regional routes operating, granting early access to former employees of Rex Airlines Ltd (the Boeing-737 business) to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee, and providing a guarantee in relation to regional ticket sales during the voluntary administration.
To date, the Employment and Workplace Relations Department has received 306 claims and processed 302 claims from former Rex (RAL) employees, with over $7.1 million already provided to Rex staff through FEG.
These actions preserve important economic, medical and freight services, supporting regional liveability and regional economies.
Albanese Government delivering 25,000 more homes across New South Wales
The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future and boosting New South Wales’ housing supply by investing more than $182 million in critical infrastructure that will unlock more than 25,000 new homes across the state.
Source: Albanese Government delivering 25,000 more homes across New South Wales
The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future and boosting New South Wales’ housing supply by investing more than $182 million in critical infrastructure that will unlock more than 25,000 new homes across the state.
Nine projects will be allocated funding through the Albanese Government’s Housing Support Program to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas.
Funding will be used on enabling infrastructure works such as roads, sewage and water, and to support new homes with connections to transport links and public open spaces.
More than 14,700 homes will be unlocked in Parramatta with a $10.1 million investment in the city’s Civic Link project – a “green spine” and activated pedestrian connection from Parramatta Square to the Parramatta River.
This funding will go towards Civic Block 3, which will deliver a new green space along Horwood Place and link new homes with essential public transport connections via rail, light rail and the future Sydney Metro West.
Other New South Wales projects receiving funding include:
$10 million for enabling civil infrastructure for Lake Wyangan, including stormwater drainage/earthworks, installing a new stormwater outfall pump, realignment of Mallinson and Abattoir Roads and construction of two new road T-Intersections at Boorga Road and Mallinson Road to enable 500 homes in and around Griffith
$13 million to construct a new road and intersection design and an 86 metre bridge on Pelican Road, Schofields which will enable 235 homes
$45 million to deliver water and sewer infrastructure in Kempsey, including new water treatment plants to unlock more than 430 homes
$27.2 million to deliver Stage 2 of the Marulan Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade to unlock more than 400 new homes in the Goulburn Mulwaree shire
$45 million to construct a new pressure sewer system, a wastewater treatment plant and discharge system at Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach to enable 40 homes
$4 million to construct a four-legged roundabout on the Princes Highway, and the upgrade and extension of water and sewer infrastructure at Moruya to enable 45 homes
$22.1 million for road, intersection and utilities upgrades between Bellbird North Urban Release Area and Cessnock CBD to enable 900 new homes in Cessnock
$6.2 million to construct an active transport tunnel under Old Canterbury Road in Dulwich Hill, connecting two currently unconnected links of the GreenWay on either side of Old Canterbury Road to support 7,800 new homes in Sydney’s inner west.
This funding follows $304.3 million already allocated to New South Wales for enabling infrastructure and social housing across the state as well as $22.3 million delivered to fast-track planning capability.
This is part of the Albanese Government’s $32 billion Homes for Australia Plan, an ambitious national target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over the next 5 years.
Eastern Riverina Arts | Art Commissions: Acoustic Artwork and Large-scale Installation
Eastern Riverina Arts is commissioning two unique artworks for installation at the Station Creative Workspace in Wagga Wagga. All creatives in the Eastern Riverina Arts service region, are encouraged to submit their proposal, including concept, timeline, and budget, for the chance to bring their vision to life at the Station.
Source: Art Commissions: Acoustic Artwork and Large-scale Installation
Eastern Riverina Arts is commissioning two unique artworks for installation at the Station Creative Workspace in Wagga Wagga:
1. Acoustic Artwork for the Meeting Room
Theme: Voice and Collaboration
This piece will be both visually stunning and functional, designed to enhance the room's acoustics while complementing its professional atmosphere.
2. Large-Scale Installation for the Stairwell
Theme: Interconnection and Creative Evolution
We’re seeking a bold and innovative artwork that reflects the identity of our creative hub and inspires everyone who passes through.
Key Details:
Budget: $2500 (+GST) per commission
Timeline: Complete by 1 May 2025
EOIs close: 17 February 2025
Eligibility: Open to creatives in the Eastern Riverina Arts service region.
New Visit Griffith Visitor Guide 2025 - 2026 Out Now
The Griffith Tourism Team is delighted to launch the new, vibrant and engaging Visit Griffith Visitor Guide 2025 - 2026. This 84-page publication is a key marketing tool for Griffith and region, in driving increased visitation and tourism spend.
Image Source: New Visit Griffith Visitor Guide 2025 - 2026 Out Now
Source: New Visit Griffith Visitor Guide 2025 - 2026 Out Now
The Griffith Tourism Team is delighted to launch the new, vibrant and engaging Visit Griffith Visitor Guide 2025 - 2026. This 84-page publication is a key marketing tool for Griffith and region, in driving increased visitation and tourism spend.
In NSW alone, year ending June 2024, the visitor economy delivered $52.9 Billion in visitor expenditure, as a result of 101.6 million visitors. Visitor spend in NSW continues to grow and creates 1 in every 26 jobs (which is in excess of 292,000 jobs) in the tourism and hospitality sector (accommodation providers, eateries, visitor experiences/ attractions, transport services, retail, cultural, arts and recreation sectors, business events suppliers and so much more).
The Griffith Tourism Team is excited to partner with over 100 ambassadors from Griffith and neighbouring Local Government Areas who are featured in this edition. The new guide continues to deliver key aspects of the local tourism industry such as where to shop, stay, eat and drink, as well as the many amazing experiences on offer, whilst highlighting our significant and growing industries.
Griffith City Council Tourism Manager, Mirella Guidolin said, in this edition we truly tell the story behind our tag line - ‘Taste our Culture’ and the significance our seasons play. “I really feel that we have delivered a beautiful story through this guide, it has a deep sense of meaning through the panoramic spreads and beautiful images that capture the true essence of Griffith,” she said.
“Our major events and festivals are deeply connected to the changing seasons, which aligns perfectly with the heart and soul of Griffith - our vibrant multiculturalism and the abundance of produce from our rich agricultural base. This is what sets Griffith apart, and I believe we've truly captured this in the new guide.”
Forty thousand hard copies will be produced over the two-year life span, circulated locally through the tourism network, throughout Australia through the Visitor Information Centre Network and at various tradeshows. The Visitor Guide is included in all conference delegate bags, new resident/welcome packs, tour group operator guides and available at local accommodation houses and all council facilities.
Local businesses and residents are all welcome to have the guides available - so please come and grab a box or a bundle. Just pop in and see the team at the Griffith Tourism Hub and make sure you have a copy ready for your visiting family and friends.
You can also view a copy of the guide online at visitgriffith.com.au or call the Griffith Tourism Hub to have one posted to you – 1800 681 141.
Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council announced as successful applicants of the Growing Regions Program - Round 2
Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council were among the successful applicants who will receive Commonwealth-approved funding as part of Growing Regions Program – Round 2.
Source: Growing Regions Program—Round 2 projects
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts recently announced the New South Wales: Growing Regions Program – Round 2 projects. Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council were among those successful applicants who will receive Commonwealth-approved funding as part of Growing Regions Program – Round 2.
Hay Shire Council will receive funding of $4,191,173 for the replacement of the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool (JHMS Pool). The project will deliver a new regional aquatic precinct, including a 50-metre competition pool. 15-metre learn-to-swim pool, and a zero-depth beach-style entry children’s pool, new shade and social inclusion areas, change facilities, a solar array and battery energy supply system, and an energy efficient water filtration system.
Leeton Shire Council will receive funding of $800,000 for the Leeton Roxy Theatre- Stage 2 project. This project will complete Stage 2 of the Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment Masterplan through the delivery of a theatrette, a education studio, and AI/gaming workshop studio, and a function kitchen, café and bar, increasing the venue’s capacity and flexibility and conserve an iconic Art Deco heritage-listed building, and provide a new home for the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts.