Bus Industry Taskforce Passenger Forum

The Bus Industry Taskforce will hold a Passenger Forum in Newcastle on Friday 23 June, to hear from community members about their experiences with bus privatisation. The findings of the Taskforce will be used to advise the Government on improving bus services across NSW. 

The Passenger Forum will be held at NEX and you can register your interest here.

OzHarvest Nourish Program

Great to catch up with this semesters students as part of the OzHarvest Nourish Program.

The Program helps students aged 16-25 develop hospitality skills for future study and employment. Fantastic work to all involved.

Memorial Service for Merchant Mariners

I was proud to represent the people of Swansea at the Memorial Service for Merchant Mariners lost in a time of war at Newcastle.

Loretta Payn and Eliel Gibson from Swansea High gave a fantastic address at the Memorial Service.

Road Upgrades Complete for Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue Base

Great news for our community, the access road to the Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue Base has now been sealed.

This was part of a $670,000 investment from the NSW Government and will make it easier for volunteers to respond to an emergency.

I worked alongside Lake Macquarie City Council to advocate for this project.

Police Awards

It was an honor to attend the Bankstown Police District Awards this week with Kylie Wilkinson MP. The officers who were recognised shared stories of bravery and courage.

The ceremony was also attended by Acting Deputy Commissioner Leanne McCusker, Metropolitan Field Operations Commander, Region Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith and Superintendent Adam Johnston, Commander of Bankstown Police Area Command.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you for your service.

Labor Delivers Relief for First Home Buyers

The Minns Labor Government has delivered on our election commitment to repeal the Liberals land tax and expand support for first home buyers.

From 1 July, first home buyers will pay no stamp duty on properties worth up to $800,000 and a concessional stamp duty rate on properties worth between $800,000 to $1 million. That will mean a saving of more than $31,000 for a property worth $800,000.

Taking the Pressure Off Our Teachers

Teachers signed up to teach our children NOT to fill out paperwork.

That’s why the Minns Labor Government has announced an additional 400 full-time extra administrative staff to get teachers back in the classroom doing what they do best – teach our children.

This was a key pillar of the education reform package Labor took to the election and we are getting on with the job of delivering better outcomes for our teachers and students.

Community War Memorials Fund

The next round of the Community War Memorials Fund is now open and closes at 5pm on 25 July. $125,000 in funding is available for the protection and repair of war memorials. Funding is available to assist with a range of conservation projects including condition assessments, specialist cleaning and repairs, which are all important aspects of how we manage the places of commemoration that help us acknowledge our military history. Community groups can apply for up to $10,000. To be eligible for funding, the memorial must be listed on the NSW War Memorials Register. More information on the program and details for how to apply are available at the Veterans Affairs website.

Dymocks Beyond Words Competition

Dymocks are holding their inaugural Beyond Words Creative Writing Competition. This competition is designed for primary and high school-aged children and aims to promote creative writing and recognise the efforts of young writers. With $15,500 in prizes, this competition is the largest prize pool for a youth writing competition in Australia. Competition entries are open until 31 May 2023, with winners announced on 28 September 2023. Entrants can submit their work here.

Book Your Flu Shot Today!

Have you had your flu shot yet? With the flu season just around the corner, it is important that we protect ourselves and our loved ones from the harmful effects of the disease by getting vaccinated. Priority groups, including children aged 6 months to under five years, people aged 65 and over, Indigenous Australians from 6 months of age, pregnant women and those with serious health conditions are encouraged to book in now for their free influenza vaccine. For more information or to book your vaccine visit the NSW Health website.

Belmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary

The Belmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary truly are a great help to hospital staff. Beginning 50 years ago with a trolley service to patients and staff, the Auxiliary now has a team of more than 30 volunteers who provide 3 services:

• Patient Care which does administration work for all the departments within the hospital. It also sells craft and personal items to assist our patients and visitors
• Meet & Greet work from the foyer and assist visitors navigate around our hospital
• Kiosk provides food and beverages to staff, visitors and patients

All services run 5 days per week. The Auxiliary are always looking for more volunteers to join their team. They work on a weekly or fortnightly roster (with the option to work full or half days). If you are keen to join this wonderful team call Fay Smith (President) on 0427 488 499 or Doris Lack (Vice President) on 0405 059 747.

Savings for Pensioners 

The rise in the cost of living has been hitting many people hard, especially pensioners. Here are 10 ways for NSW pensioners to save:

1. Council rate rebates: Pensioners are entitled to up to $250 a year off their council rates. For more information visit the Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council websites. 
2. Electricity rebate: The Low Income Household Rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
3. Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
4. Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill.
5. Regional seniors travel card: The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel. 
6. Revenue NSW Unclaimed Money: Find “lost” money waiting to be claimed from inactive bank accounts, shares and investments, insurance policies, unpaid wages, unclaimed super and deceased estates.
7. Travel vouchers: Pensioners are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year. They can be used for two return or four single trips, giving access to free or discounted travel in economy class on NSW TrainLink Regional services within regional NSW.
8. Free car rego: Pensioners in NSW don’t pay registration fees or motor vehicle tax on one of their cars. They also receive free driver’s licences, free driving tests and concessions on the cost of Mobility Parking Scheme permits.
9. Free glasses: You can get yourself one pair of single vision glasses or one pair of bifocal glasses in a two-year period under the NSW Spectacles Program.
10. Seniors Card: The NSW Seniors Card is packed with discounts for thousands of retailers and services across the state from groceries to tradespeople and insurance.

I encourage all seniors to apply for these savings if they haven't already.