Welcome to our Tuggerah Lakes Probationary Officers

Great to welcome our new Tuggerah Lakes probationary constables Sean, Megan, Jordan and Jackson to Wyong Police Station with my Labor colleagues David Harris and David Mehan. As the Police Minister I've already seen up close that policing can be challenging. It is a role like no other and these incoming probationary constables are entrusted with great powers and responsibilities. With the right support to guide them I look forward to watching them develop and thrive.

Council's Plans for Swansea Pool

I was pleased to see Lake Mac Council’s 20 year plan to improve pool facilities across the region including Swansea Pool approved. I have long petitioned Council to upgrade Swansea Pool and make it more accessible. This news follows $900,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund being allotted to replace the pool's plant room and to install a fibreglass liner to the 50m pool. Priorities under Council's plan for Swansea Pool include a new indoor learn to swim pool, car park and splash pad. I have also been working with our local councillors to advocate for the facility to be open all year round.

Our community has wanted to see improvements for many years. This is a great outcome and I look forward to seeing the changes take place.

Youth Slash and Bash

Congratulations to all of the amazing young surfers who took part in the Youth Slash and Bash surf competition at Hams Beach and Frenchmans Beach from 5 to 7 May. The event was established in 2019 and has now become the largest junior surfing event in Lake Macquarie. This year’s event was also a sell-out with 150 entries. Such a high rate of a participation was fantastic for local business and has helped put our local area on the map. I enjoyed checking out the competition and also attending the presentation on Sunday afternoon.

Congratulations to all the competitors and to Kylie Murphy-Robards and Dan Frodsham for hosting such a fantastic event.  

Talking Threads Fete

Great to catch up with the ladies from Valhalla Lifestyle Village's Talking Threads last week at their fete. The ladies held the fete to raise funds for a quilting machine, so they can continue to create lovely pieces like the quilts they make for charities. Keep up the great work ladies!

Police Attestation

It was an honour to attend my first Attestation Ceremony for NSW Police Academy Class 357 as the new Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism in Goulburn. 221 new officers were welcomed to the Force. Congratulations to Class 357 on being sworn in. I know they will bring great enthusiasm, drive, and commitment to keeping the community safe.

Parliament has Commenced!

An honour to be inducted into the 58th Parliament of NSW to represent the people of Swansea. The Minns Government has already hit the ground running, with the Government introducing to Parliament legislation to amend the Constitution Act 1902 to protect Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatisation, as its first order of business. This was an election commitment and I am proud to be part of a Government that is committed to protecting our public assets. The Government has also introduced a bill to provide cost of living relief and better protection to NSW renters.

Bus Industry Taskforce Launched

Following through on its election commitment, the Minns Labor Government has created the Bus Industry Taskforce. The Taskforce will play a key role in dealing with the consequences of bus privatisation and will drive improvements to bus services. Areas of focus will be service delivery and asset management models, service planning, infrastructure and technology supports, employer arrangements, and other steps to improve performance. Given the considerable issues facing the bus industry, the existing contracts and service delivery, the Taskforce have a 12-month period to undertake its investigations. It will deliver a number of reports throughout this 12-month period, including initial findings on 10 July 2023, an interim report on 10 October 2023 with a final report and recommendations by 1 May 2024. The people of the Hunter and Central Coast know all too well the negative impacts privatisation has had on our local bus network. From service cuts and cancelations to driver shortages, the Taskforce will work to rectify the issues and improve services across the board.

16,000 Permanent Teachers!

Our kids deserve a world class education. That is why the NSW Labor Government is supporting schools by making 16,000 teachers and support staff permanent. Schools across the state, including in the Hunter and Central Coast are on the priority list to move temporary staff to permanent positions. Before the state election, Labor committed to transitioning 10,000 temporary teachers onto permanent contracts, along with 6,000 support staff. This promise is being delivered. Job security will give teachers the confidence to focus on what they do best, giving our kids the best education.

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.

The Nappy Collective

My office is participating in the Nappy Collective's Mother's Day Nappy Collective. Unfortunately, 1 in 10 families don’t have enough nappies to keep their little ones clean, healthy and happy. That is why my office is taking part, to help local mums and dads in need. From 8-21 May, you can drop your nappy donations at my electorate office. The Collective is also looking for volunteers for the region, so please reach out if you're keen to help.

One of the Kids Workshop

The One of the Kids workshop is on Thursday 25 May, 9:30am-2:30pm at Wallsend Diggers (5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend). The workshop is for parents of children living with disability who are looking to enrol in school in the next few years, or currently in primary school. It will support parents as they navigate the school years, seeking an inclusive education for their child living with a disability. If you have any questions or wish to participate, call 1800 620 588 or email communications@family-advocacy.com

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.