'Fox Island' Announced on the Cusp of the 2025 World Championships

Penrith’s hometown heroes and Olympic showstoppers Jess and Noemie Fox were thrilled with the naming of an island at Penrith Whitewater Stadium in their family's honour.

The section in the heart of the stadium will be renamed ‘Fox Island’ in recognition of the family’s contribution to the sport. 

It is only fitting that the island is dedicated in the name, as a large part of Australia’s most successful Olympic performance came down to our two Penrith girls, who honed their skills through countless hours on the rapids here at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

The announcement comes alongside the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments combined $3.2 million funding boost to Paddle Australia in support of the upcoming International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 1-6 October 2025. 

Penrith is set to host 300 competitors from 50 nations who will compete in the World Championships across ten events. They will be supported by 100 coaches, officials, and staff, with an estimated 20,000 spectators expected to attend.

Set Those Cruise Controls as Safety Becomes the Focus in Average Speed Cameras Trial

Penrith, as travel season approaches, it’s time to buckle up for the seatbelt detection cameras and set those cruise controls as the NSW Government focuses on road safety under the trail of average speed cameras for all vehicles. 

NSW is set to join other Australian states in using average speed cameras for light vehicles as part of their speed enforcement programs. This trial will encourage all drivers—regardless of the size of their vehicle—to rethink their attitudes to speeding on our roads and change their behaviour.

Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.

Two trials will be conducted on limited stretches of highways in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improve safety, and prevent injuries and fatalities. The trial areas are:

• Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras
• Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras

Trials are proposed to begin with a 60-day period during which speeding drivers will receive a warning letter rather than a fine before normal enforcement, including fines and demerit points, begins.

A comprehensive communications plan will be implemented to inform motorists about the trial. Road signs will alert all drivers that their speed is being monitored by average speed cameras on the trial stretches, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed as needed. 

Road safety is a shared responsibility – let’s all help each other safely reach our destinations.

Role of Pharmacists to Expand to Ear Infections, Nausea, Acid Reflux, Acne, Muscle and Joint Pain

Access to everyday healthcare is set to get even easier. Thousands of people across NSW will soon be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, nausea, gastro, acne, and muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy.

Work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, including the following conditions:

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection)
• Acute minor wound management
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain

By empowering pharmacists to consult on more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on GPs and end wait times.

Subject to appropriate training and ongoing work in implementation work, the expanded service delivery could commence as soon as 2026.