Belmont High School Celebrates 70 Years

Belmont High School has celebrated its 70th anniversary, it was the first co-ed public secondary school in Newcastle.

To celebrate the school opened its doors to former students and the community to view historical displays, performances by current students, and presentations.

Community War Memorial Fund

It was fantastic to present Northlakes High School with a cheque for a $3,500 grant from the NSW Government's Community War Memorials Fund to maintain its war memorial.

Our community is proud of its military history and the Fund helps conserve, repair and protect war memorials across the state, so that can continue to honour our veterans.

Backing Women's Sport

As part of the Minns Government’s $10 million investment to increase football participation, Swansea Football Club and Valentine Eleebana FC have received grants from the NSW Football Legacy Fund to promote female participation in football.

We were all inspired by the Maltidas’ record breaking performances at the Women’s World Cup and the Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring the momentum created by the Matildas success leaves a positive legacy for girls and boys at all levels of football.

Police Recruits to be Paid

I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income.

I was thrilled to join the Premier, Police Commissioner and NSW Police Association, to announce that is about to change.

The NSW Government will pay NSW Police recruits while they train at the Goulburn Police Academy. It’s a major incentive to address an ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers.

The former Government left the NSW Police 1,500 officers short but we are working hard with initiatives such as this to recruit new officers.

Going forward recruits will receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period. 

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider - Charles Stuart University.

• Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
• Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

I encourage anyone who’s thought about applying to become an officer to do so. There’s never been a better time to take up a career with the best police force in the country.

Backing our Local Surf Clubs

I am a proud supporter of our local surf clubs, they play such an important role in our community. Particularly in keeping our beaches safe during the summer.

I am pleased to say the NSW Government's $5.25 million Surf Club Facility Program is now open.

The Government has provided an additional $5 million in funding over the next four years.

Clubs can receive grants up to $1 million for the upgrade, restoration, or construction of these critical surf life saving facilities.

The Program features three categories with Category 1 closing on 11 December 2023 and Categories 2 and 3 closing on 31 January 2024.

For further information and to apply please visit the website.

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.