These vacant railway yards at Redfern could be Sydney's next mega film studios
The government's $100 million investment will be subject to business case approval and probably focus on a second studio proposal for Oran Park in south-west Sydney and potentially another slated for Silverwater.
Celebrated Australian director George Miller said the key was finding the right location for the new studios – close to existing infrastructure such as transport, post-production facilities, a back lot and even places to eat.
The commitment to a second film studio comes after US President Donald Trump last month announced a 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. NSW Arts Minister John Graham said on Sunday that such a move would be 'self-defeating'.
'If the US is going to go down this path, it would not only damage activity here in NSW, it'd damage it in Hollywood,' he said.
'But it's a matter for them. We're monitoring developments closely, [but] standing up for the industry here in NSW.'
The budget commitment was welcomed by Business Sydney's executive director Paul Nicolaou, who said it was a timely response to a pressing need to bolster the state's infrastructure and maintain its competitive edge in the international film and screen industry.
The proposed sites near Eveleigh rail yards in Redfern and another at Silverwater presented strategic opportunities for expansion.
'Eveleigh's rich industrial heritage offers a unique backdrop that could be revitalised to blend historical significance with modern cinematic infrastructure. Silverwater's strategic location and existing infrastructure make it an ideal candidate for such development.
'These locations could significantly enhance Sydney's capacity to host large-scale productions, attracting international projects and stimulating local economic growth.'
Matt Levinson, culture policy lead at Committee for Sydney, said the lack of an adequate sound stage and base for film production had hobbled Sydney's potential.
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'We strongly support the government's move to invest in this area and the work they're doing to get the policy settings right,' Levinson said.
'On the face of it, North Eveleigh is the perfect location – close to transport links for workers and logistics, plenty of space and deeply embedded among the many hundreds of tech, media and creative production businesses around Central.
'Wherever it lands, what's needed is a space that can unlock the tremendous potential across our city's film, screen and gaming sectors and those local producers need to be leading the charge.
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West Australian
21 minutes ago
- West Australian
A family cruising bonanza from Australia in 2025-26
This summer's refreshed line-up of ships and itineraries promises a bumper season of family cruising from Australia. There are scores of voyages still available at competitive prices to destinations throughout the region. Added to the mix are a bunch of popular whimsical characters featuring on many cruises during the festive season and right through to 2026-27. For West Aussies, things aren't quite as straightforward as driving to the local port and hopping on a ship due to the lack of available cruises departing Fremantle. Most domestic cruises depart from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. However, a quick scan online showed one-way airfares to and from the east coast are still available for under $300 over the Christmas holidays for families still looking for last-minute ideas and not yet locked in. We know multigenerational families love to cruise and share precious memories. The cruise industry acknowledges this as a trend and its latest data shows about a third of cruise travellers sail with three to five generations. There are several key players in the Australian family cruise market and below is a sample compilation of what's on offer in the new season starting October 2025 and through 2026-27. Of course, the ships can be just as fun for solo travellers, couples and groups of friends. There's been big changes in 2025 with stablemate P&O's two locally-based ships rebranded Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, operating year-round from Sydney and Brisbane respectively. So, Carnival now has four ships operating over summer on Australia's east coast, including Carnival Splendor (year-round from Sydney) and US-based Luminosa on a seasonal basis from Brisbane. Carnival's Christmas-themed cruises throughout December feature festive decorations, carolling, a traditional Christmas feast, and a visit from Santa Claus. The world of jumps off the page onto Seuss at Sea year-round with the popular Thing One and Thing Two Birthday Breakfasts, character parades and stories. Come October, the ships turn frightfully fun with spooky Halloween-themed sailings that include costume parties, pumpkin-carving contests, trick-or-treating, horror movies on the big screen and appearances by Patch the Pumpkin Pirate. There is a mix of short two to five-day getaway voyages in Australia and longer ones such as the 10-day Vanuatu and New Caledonia, departing Sydney on January 9, 2026, from $1459 average per person aboard Carnival Adventure. Other destinations include the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and other great Australian locations, New Zealand and South-East Asia, ranging from eight to 12 days. They are family-oriented ships with lots of activities for kids and teens as well as adults, with a focus on 'fun'. Carnival has also released its 2026-27 program, including the 12-day Fiji Adventure, which is available to book. Entertainment powerhouse Royal Caribbean brings in a revamped line-up sailing from local shores this summer. Anthem of the Seas is new to the region and it too will sail a series of short cruises of up to 12 nights to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and the Queensland coast in 2025-26 and 2026-27. The South Pacific Cruise return Sydney departs December 11 and visits Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, and Noumea in New Caledonia — a neat eight-night trip costing from $1569 average per person. Anthem is one of Royal's popular Quantum Class ships. It has more than 20 restaurants and bars, rock climbing, an iFLY skydiving simulator, kids clubs, and SeaPlex indoor activity space with bumper cars. Voyager of the Seas, sailing roundtrip from Brisbane, has similar cruises available. Like the six-night Queensland Cruise visiting Airlie Beach, Cairns and scenic cruising at Willis Island from $1387 average per person departing January 13, 2026. This year the two ships will feature a combined six Wiggles-themed cruises throughout the 2025-26 season from Brisbane and Sydney. On the program are Wiggly disco parties with DJ Dorothy, dance classes, story time with Wags, and live shows featuring Wiggles favourite hits, and special appearances with Captain Feathersword and his Wiggles friends. Royal's 2026-27 program of three to 11-night voyages in these regional hotspots have also been released for booking. There is a third local season of Disney Magic at Sea from October 19 through to February 2026, with a brand-new promotional offer available on select sailings from Australia. The offer is 50 per cent off the voyage fare of the third and fourth passengers with the purchase of two full fares in the same cabin, and is valid on new and existing eligible bookings. A limited number of cabins for this offer are available and must be booked by October 12, 2025 (see terms and conditions). The family-focused cruise line has encounters with Disney's array of classic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Marvel superheroes and Aussie favourites Bluey and Bingo, plus high-energy deck parties and fireworks at sea. Glitzy Disney Wonder will sail from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, NZ, on voyages ranging from three to 10 nights. The ship features a 970-seat theatre for Broadway-style productions like Frozen: A Musical Spectacular and others. It also has themed rotational dining, a whole deck dedicated to engage and entertain youth, plus exclusive adults areas to relax and unwind. This year's schedule features Christmas-themed entertainment and adornments on select voyages between November 9 and December 29, 2025. Among its 26-voyage season is a five-night cruise from Melbourne and ending in Auckland, departing November 20, 2025 with fares starting at $5172 for four people in an Inside cabin (includes the above offer). Crown Princess became the biggest ever cruise ship to be based year-round in Australia last October. Crown double-teams with another spectacular vessel — the 2022-launched Discovery Princess — this summer Down Under from early December. The Princess ships are positioned as intergenerational … so think less adrenaline-fuelled hype and more of a refined experience for all ages. Children aged from six upwards including teens are catered for in really well-designed and kitted-out kids' clubs like The Treehouse and The Beach House. There's also lots of live music venues, theatre, games, classes and other entertainment for all ages. Dining aboard Princess ships is among the best I've experienced at sea for its range of options and quality, especially at its signature restaurants like Crown Grill. Crown Princess' schedule includes short getaways plus longer voyages, including around the Australian coast, cross-Tasman to New Zealand and to the South Pacific. Among its shorter cruise options available are the eight-day Tasmania sailing from Sydney on January 6, 2026, with a scenic cruise to Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula, and visits to Port Arthur and Hobart. Fares start at $2319 per person. I got to sail aboard Discovery Princess last November on a voyage to the Mexican Riviera, so I can attest to its overall luxuriousness and sumptuous amenity. This summer's homeporting in Sydney is a one off, but it would be a real boon for Aussie cruising to have it back for more local seasons in the future — it's a special ship. Its four-month season from December 6 includes Australia Seacations (two to five-day local voyages) plus longer sailings in the region to the likes of Fiji and NZ — the 14-day New Zealand Holiday over Christmas is round trip from Sydney departing December 20. It visits the Bay of Islands and cruises down the east coast to Fiordland National Park, and is priced from $5309 per person. Note: Prices quoted are based on double occupancy, but fares for third, fourth and subsequent passengers are at a discounted rate. A Carnival spokesperson tells me: 'Families often find great value travelling together in one of our quad-share cabins, which are a popular choice for those looking for an easy and budget-friendly holiday.'
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘Dangerous': World reacts to huge Gaza move
Nations around the world on have reacted to Israel's plan to take complete control of Gaza. For US President Donald Trump, it's up to Israel to decide what to do next in the region — meaning Washington is offering quiet support for its ally's plans to expand the offensive in the war-wracked Palestinian territory. While numerous European and Arab capitals urged Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to reconsider his decision to 'take control' of Gaza City, President Trump this week has effectively given the Israeli prime minister free rein — even if it means pushback from the international community. After nearly two years of devastating conflict, Israel's security cabinet approved Netanyahu's plan to 'defeat' Hamas, which triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Before Israel's announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, President Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he was focused on securing an increase in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to help starving Palestinians. 'As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say — that's going to be pretty much up to Israel,' President Trump said. Then on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that position, telling Catholic TV network EWTN, 'Ultimately, what Israel needs to do for Israel's security will be determined by Israel.' President Trump and Mr Rubio's comments speak volumes about the US strategy: since Israel-Hamas talks on a ceasefire in Gaza fell apart, Washington has broadly embraced Israel's views following US envoy Steve Witkoff's visit last week. Details of Mr Witkoff's meeting with Mr Netanyahu have not been made public, but it is hard to imagine that President Trump's emissary was not briefed on Israel's plans. While Washington has amped up the pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, it has also insisted that all Israeli hostages — dead or alive — be freed from Hamas captivity and the complete annihilation of the militant group. 'Our goals are very clear,' US Vice President JD Vance said Friday during talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. 'We want to make it so that Hamas cannot attack innocent Israeli civilians ever again, and we think that has to come through the eradication of Hamas.' Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has offered Israel iron-clad support, even while pushing for better humanitarian support. He seemed to throw in the towel on securing a ceasefire following repeated failed efforts at mediation, especially after talks crumbled late last month in Doha when Hamas refused a deal to free the hostages. Hamas still has 49 Israeli hostages abducted during the October 2023 attack, 27 of whom are presumed dead. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee — who is prone to making eyebrow-raising statements — slammed all criticism of Israel's plans for Gaza. 'So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved?' Mr Huckabee wrote on social media. 'Did UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them?' he said in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called Netanyahu's approach 'wrong.' In his interview with EWTN, Rubio said 'as long as Hamas exists, particularly exists as an armed organisation, there will never be peace in Gaza.' Mr Rubio said he understood why the famine facing Palestinians in the territory was getting 'almost all the media coverage' but lamented what he called a lack of attention to the plight of the remaining Israeli hostages. In recent weeks, Washington has sharply criticised international initiatives to formally recognise a Palestinian state, led notably by French President Emmanuel Macron, warning that it emboldens Hamas not to give up. World reacts to Israel's huge Gaza move Nations around the world on Friday condemned Israel's plan to wrest control of Gaza City, saying it would only worsen the conflict and lead to more bloodshed. Here is a roundup of global reactions: UN: 'dangerous escalation' United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Israel's plan was a 'dangerous escalation' that risked worsening conditions for ordinary Palestinians. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the plan must be 'immediately halted'. Israel should instead allow 'the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid' and Palestinian armed groups must unconditionally release hostages, he added. Diplomatic sources told AFP several countries had requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the Israeli plans. EU: 'consequences' for Israel ties 'The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on X. She called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and 'immediate and unhindered access' for humanitarian aid in Gaza. European Council president Antonio Costa warned that 'such a decision must have consequences' for EU-Israel ties. 'The situation in Gaza remains dramatic, and the decision by the Israeli government will only further worsen it,' he posted on X. Hamas: 'War crime' Hamas denounced the Israeli government's plan as 'a new war crime that the occupation army intends to commit against' Gaza and warned that the operation would 'cost it dearly'. Iran: 'Genocide' In Hamas's backer Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Israel's plan was 'another clear sign of the Zionist regime's specific intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and commit genocide against the Palestinians'. China: Gaza for Palestinians 'Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,' a foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP. 'The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire.' Germany: arms exports cut Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was 'increasingly difficult to understand' how the Israeli military plan would help achieve legitimate aims. 'Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice,' he added. UK: 'More bloodshed' 'This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, adding that it would 'only bring more bloodshed'. France: 'Dead end' 'Such actions would constitute further serious violations of international law and lead to a complete dead end,' France's foreign ministry said in a statement posted to social media. 'They would undermine the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians to live in peace within a viable, sovereign and contiguous state, and pose a threat to regional stability.' Turkey: International pressure Turkey urged global pressure to halt the plan. 'We call on the international community to fulfil its responsibilities to prevent the implementation of this decision, which aims to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land,' said a foreign ministry statement. Spain: 'Destruction and suffering' 'We firmly condemn the decision of the Israeli government to escalate the military occupation of Gaza,' said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. 'It will only cause more destruction and suffering.' He added that 'a permanent ceasefire, the immediate and massive entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages are urgently needed'. Saudi Arabia: 'Ethnic cleansing' The foreign ministry wrote on X that Riyadh 'categorically condemns its persistence in committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the brotherly Palestinian people'. Jordan: Palestinians' rights A statement issued by the Royal Court said King Abdullah condemned a move 'which undermines the two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people'.
AU Financial Review
an hour ago
- AU Financial Review
Trump drops IRS commissioner after less than two months in role
Washington | President Donald Trump has removed former US representative Billy Long as IRS commissioner less than two months after his confirmation, a White House official said on Friday (Saturday AEST). The official, who was not authorised to speak publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will serve as acting commissioner, the official said. Long will instead serve as ambassador to Iceland, Long said in a statement on the social media site X. AP
