Bus Industry Taskforce Passenger Forum

The Transport Minister will be hosting at Passenger Forum as part of the NSW Government's Bus Taskforce.

The forum will be held in Newcastle on Friday 28 July, 11am-1pm at the NEX Club, 309 King Street Newcastle. 

The format for the forum is drop-in sessions, meaning you arrive anytime over the period and then join in the small group discussion.

You can also make an online submission here.

Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program

From 1 August, 2023 the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program will be open for community projects in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.

Grants of up to $30,000 are available and applications will close on 31 August 2023.

An online information session for the program will be held on 26 July, 2023 at 2pm. To register for the information session or apply for the program, please visit.

Karakai Park Opening

It was great to open Karakai Park including the new playground at Murray's Beach. It was jointly funded Federal Government, NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council.

I had the privilege to also represent the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces at the opening.

The playground will be a great asset for the community.

Visit to the Blue Mountains

As Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, I have had the opportunity to meet some of our amazing officers from right around the state.

Recently I joined the Member for the Blue Mountains - Trish Doyle and visited the Blue Mountains Police Area Command and Police Rescue Squad.

Seeing the work they do up close, gives you a great appreciation for the dangerous and critical rescue operatiosn they undertake.

Energy Bill Relief for Local Households and Small Businesses

The Minns Labor Government has partnered with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver eligible local households $500 in energy bill relief and $650 for small businesses from 1 July.

The relief is available to households eligible for the:

• Seniors Energy Rebate 
• Low-Income Household (electricity) Rebate
• Family Energy Rebate 
• Medical Energy Rebate
• Life Support Rebate

For more information please visit.

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.

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.

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. 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.