Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is always such an important day on our national calendar. It is a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

To see our young school leaders present at ceremonies right across the Swansea electorate was fantastic. They all spoke so elegantly about the history of service in our community, and are a credit to their schools.

Lest We Forget

Overhaul of Social Housing Maintenance

Since becoming the Member for Swansea, I’ve heard some horror stories when it comes to social housing maintenance.

The Minns Labor Government is overhauling the maintenance process because everyone deserves access to a safe and secure home.

A new, simpler model will see trained experts address tenants’ questions and maintenance requests.

Tenants will be able to see the status of their requests in real time through a new Maintenance App.

Homes NSW will bring social housing delivery, maintenance and tenancy management under one roof, to ensure no one falls through the cracks trying to get basic issues resolved.

Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club 100 Year Anniversary

Congratulations to Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club on celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Catherine Hill Bay Surf Club is a beloved local community organisation with local families' connection to the club spanning generations. So many of us have grown up on Catho beach whether that be as part of the nipper’s program or surfing its famous break. 

Thank you to all the volunteers over the years and here's to many more years to come.

Police Recruitment Applications Surge

Three weeks. That’s all it’s taken for the Minns Labor Government’s decision to pay Student Police Officers to study at the Goulburn Police Academy, to trigger a surge in new recruits.

In that time, NSW Police has received 143 applications to become a Police Officer. They're on track to hit more than 200 by the end of the month. It’s close to double this period last year.

From next March, Student Officers will receive a total salary of about $30,984 over the four-month study period. To make sure the current classes aren’t worse off, they will receive a one-off payment.

I’m proud to have worked with Police Commissioner Karen Webb & the Police Association to deliver this important reform.

Regional Tour

Great to spend a few days in Bourke and meet some of the hard-working police out west, pictured here with Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, A/Superintendent Gerald Lawson and Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos.

While at Bourke Police Station I sat down with Youth Action Meeting (YAM) coordinator Donna to better understand the local perspective of youth crime in the Bourke area.

Engaging with people working in our community, especially those working to support our young people, is so important to me in my role as Police Minister.



Visiting Western Region has really highlighted how vital it is that our approach to issues like youth crime is holistic and coordinated across government service providers.

Belmont & District Residents' Action Group

The Belmont & District Residents' Action Group is a local community group that advocates on behalf of Belmont and surrounding suburbs on a range of local issues. The group engages with local, state and federal levels of government. The group is seeking new members and if you would like to join, please contact Robin Gordon on robingordon1942@gmail.com.

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.

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. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.