Swansea Channel dredging a step closer

The Minns Labor Government has gotten on with delivering our commitment to dredge Swansea Channel. The tender process has commenced and will be complete on 1 June 2023 with the first round of dredging to commence in July 2023. A subsequent round of dredging will be conducted in Autumn 2024. Work also continues to progress a 10-year dredging strategy for Swansea Channel.

St Patrick's Primary School host Tanya and Steve

It was fantastic to see Tanya and Steve visit St Patrick's Primary School for their Tuck Shop radio show. The visit fell on National Walk Safely to School Day, and all the students had a ball. Great job to all involved.

Gwandalan Lions Market

It was a great turnout for the Gwandalan Lions Markets with so many community stalls, and local Police and Rural Firefighters present. The Police were present with the new trail bike unit out to crack down on illegal trail bike use.

Local RFS units recognized

Congratulations to the Gwandalan - Summerland Point Rural Fire Brigade and Lake Munmorah Bush Fire Brigade who were awarded the Commissioner's Citation for Service (Unit) for their response to a major incident. The units responded to a car explosion in Gwandalan in 2020. Ex-Captain of the Gwandalan- Summerland Point Rural Fire Service Phillip Blackmore who became just the fourth-ever recipient of the Commissioner's Award for Valour. Mr Blackmore rushed to the explosion to assist a man injured in the blast.

Police Awards

It was an honor to attend the Port Stephens Hunter Police District Awards late last week with Kate Washington MP. The officers who were recognised shared stories of bravery and courage.

I also had the chance to attend the Burwood Area Command Police District awards with Sophie Cotsis MP and Jason Yat-sen Li MP. The event was hosted by Superintendent Martin Hayston - Commander, Burwood Police Area Command and also attended by Assistant Police Commissioner - Stuart Smith.

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

Byron Bay Police Visit

Great to visit the Byron Bay Police team and meet Heather a volunteer with Byron Bay Police for the last 22 years. Heather has supported police working night duty with tea and coffee, along with police working local music festivals. Fantastic work Heather.

Labor Act to End Privatisation

The Minns Labor Government has acted to fulfill our election commitment to end privatisation with the introduction of the Constitution Amendment (Sydney Water and Hunter Water) Bill. The Bill enshrines the public ownership of Sydney and Hunter Water into the NSW constitution, they cannot be sold without an Act of Parliament being passed. I was proud to speak in support of this bill.

Labor Delivering a Fairer Deal for Renters

The Minns Labor Government has introduced the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Rental Fairness) Bill which bans the practice of secret rent bidding by requiring owners and their agents to notify applicants of other offers from prospective tenants which are higher than the advertised price. It also establishes the powers to put in place a portable bonds scheme, so renters can take their bond with them to a new property. This is just the start of Labor's reform package to support renters and boost housing supply.

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.