New Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander

It was great to meet the new Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander - Superintendent Chad Gillies today. 

Chad is an experienced officer who works hard to keep our community safe. 

We are lucky to have him as the local Commander. 

Catherine Hill Bay Draft Masterplan

Lake Macquarie City Council have placed a draft masterplan for Catherine Hill Bay on exhibition. 

The draft includes a new surf life saving club, a heritage walking trail and a community hub. 

The exhibition is a great opportunity for the local community to have their say in what they would like to see added to the local area. 

Submissions close Monday 8 August. 

To view the masterplan and to make a submission please visit the Lake Macquarie City Council website. 

2022-23 State Budget 

Last week the NSW Treasurer delivered the 2022-23 State Budget.

Even though we are experiencing a housing crisis, the Government have failed to provide funding for new housing stock to be built in the Swansea electorate. 

The Budget also doesn't support local workers who are going to be affected by the restructuring of the energy network. 

The NSW Liberal Government is a Sydney-centric government that is out of touch with the rest of NSW. 

Budget Roundtable

It was my pleasure to host Daniel Mookhey to the region this week to respond to the Government's Budget and outline Labor's exciting plan. 

Labor's plan is to:

• Double the number of public preschools in NSW
• Build things here again by supporting local manufacturing and creating local jobs
• Stop privatisation

My Labor colleagues, Lord Mayor of Newcastle and local stakeholders met to discuss the plan at the Budget Roundtable at City Hall.

As we all know, the Hunter region is home to key resources and jobs that are essential to NSW's economy. 

These discussions are important to ensuring our region's economic stability moving forward.

Bus Drivers, Nurses & Teachers Take Industrial Action

This week bus drivers have taken industrial action due to the NSW Government failing to address safety concerns over a new fleet of Korean-built trains. These trains need to be modified to keep passengers safe.

We have also seen our nurses and teachers take industrial action because the Government have not employed enough staff, which is putting stress on these essential workers and pushing them to breaking point. 

These workers play a vital role in our community, yet the NSW Liberal Government give them nothing more than thanks. 

It is time the Government listened to our bus drivers, nurses and teachers and provide them with the wages and resources they deserve. 

Liberals Land Tax 

Last week I spoke to the media about the Liberals plan for a new land tax on family homes.

This new tax will do nothing to bring down the price of houses or increase their supply.

If the Government wants to help they should make more first homebuyers exempt from stamp duty instead of rolling out a new tax that will eventually hit everyone.

Build Things Here!

It was great to see NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns announce Labor's commitment to rebuilding local manufacturing by establishing a target of 50 per cent minimum local content for future rolling stock contracts.

NSW deserves a Government that will invest in local jobs and the NSW Liberal Government have failed to do this.

The Liberal Party has a track record of shipping manufacturing jobs overseas and once again they have shown they have no plan to bring these jobs back.

Under a Labor Government we will once again build things here.

2022 Morning Teal 

It was great to host the Morning Teal at Parliament last week with Bronnie Taylor MLC to support Ovarian Cancer Australia.

This is such an important cause.

Thank you to Jane Hill - CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia and to Chani Bokody for sharing her story. Their advocacy plays a vital role in educating the community about ovarian cancer. 

If you wish to make a donation to Ovarian Cancer Australia please visit the Ovarian Cancer Australia page.

Local Questacon Exhibitions 

Just in time for the school holidays, new Questacon exhibitions are on display across Lake Macquarie. 

The Byte Wise displays aim to give kids a hands-on introduction to computer programming, algorithms and other STEM concepts.

The main exhibition is at SEEN@Swansea, however, there are also exhibitions at Toronto, Charlestown and Belmont libraries.

 There are STEM prize packs up for grabs for kids who visit all four venues, complete all 24 challenges and fill out an exhibition passport.

The sites are open until Sunday 21 August. 

This is a great activity for our kids to take part in and I encourage you to take them along. 

Swansea Public School Playground 

Swansea Public School is seeking community input to support a grant application to replace the current outdoor playground equipment.

If they are successful, they will have a new undercover upgraded playground unit, with soft-fall rubber surfacing, which will be accessible by the general public out of school hours.

Please help them by completing the survey. It will take less than one minute to complete.

Regional NSW & ACT Community Achievement Awards 

Nominations

Nominations for the Community Achievement Awards for Regional NSW & the ACT are now open until 23 August.

The Awards are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional and rural NSW & the ACT.

Award categories include:

• NSW Government Crown Land Management Excellence Award 
• NSW Government Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Award 
• NSW Government Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award 
• Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award
• TransGrid Leadership Award
• Awards Australia Connecting Communities Award
• Fairmont Resort Small Business Award

For more information about the Awards or to make a nomination visit the Awards Australia website. 

NAISDA Applications Now Open!

Applications to study at NAISDA Dance College in 2023 are now open.

Offering nationally accredited, full-time courses in dance and performing arts, NAISDA invites applications from aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers and performing artists aged 16 and over.

Applicants can apply to study a Certificate 3 in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples or an Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

To apply visit the NAISDA Dance College website. 

Belmont Neighbourhood Centre Volunteers

Do you have a Centrelink requirement?

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community?

Do you want to build life long friendships?

Looking for something to keep active during the day?

Belmont Neighbourhood Centre is looking for volunteers.

Roles include gardening, maintenance work and cleaning.

All volunteers are required to obtain a Working With Children Check before commencing at Belmont Neighbourhood Centre.

For more information please contact Belmont Neighbourhood Centre on 4947 0031.

Swansea Mobile Shower Van

The Lions Club of Belmont's shower van visits Swansea Community Cottage every Tuesday from 10am.

All are welcome to use the facility. 

Orange Sky Laundry

Orange Sky Laundry is also operating at Swansea Community Cottage. 

Drop into the Cottage on Thursday between 11am and 1pm if you wish to use the service. 

Last wash is at 12pm