The September sittings have commenced, and it is clear the government does not have an extensive legislative agenda.
This week, it was pleasing the Health Minister Ryan Park listened to the concerns of myself and other regional MPs in relation to the shortage of midwives. A recruitment bonus of up to $20,000 was announced and while it is a great start there is much more to be done.
I’ll continue to work hard to see increases in numbers of nurses and medical professionals coming to work in our region. The medical issues in the Northern Tablelands come back to the shortage of staff. I’ll keep working hard to make sure the government is held to account.
In Parliament this week, I took all my available speaking time. I addressed the House regarding the looming shortage of paediatricians in the public health care system across the Northern Tablelands.
I submitted nine questions on notice regarding the Uralla Police Station, the Moree Hospital redevelopment, the Duval High School site, the Malpas Dam Wall, point-to-point speed cameras, GPs, cross border crime, the illegal sale of tobacco, and nurse incentives.
I took the opportunity to recognise outstanding members of our community and organisations through 12 Community Recognition Statements. They include Lynda McCallum, Moree Public School, Inverell Collaborative, Sophie Greentree, Jim Wilson, Croppa for the Chopper, Glen Innes Red Cross, Moree Festival of Health, Sruthi Prakash, Armidale Women’s Shelter, Walcha Lions Club, and the Uralla Community Co-op.
Delungra Comedy and Dinner Night
Muster Up Delungra Inc is holding a comedy night with Peter Rowsthorn from Kath & Kim. I will be event’s MC and it will sure be a cracker!
The night will take place at the Delungra Multi-Purpose Hall at 19 Railway Street, Delungra (across the street from the fire station) from 5:30pm on Saturday 19 October.
To book your tickets, call Leah on 0413 668 459.
Calling for local input on the integrated transport plan
I am encouraging you to jump online and use an interactive map to guide the NSW Government’s Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan.
It’s an opportunity for you to make important comments about your local roads and transport, by pinpointing local issues with regional transport.
A section of road north of Armidale on the New England Highway has been earmarked for funding, and I’ve encouraged those residents to pinpoint exactly what needs upgrading by dropping a pin on this map.
Together, we have marked the location and made a comment that a turning lane is desperately needed from the New England Highway onto Puddledock Road.
This very dangerous intersection has also gathered 200 signatures for an e-petition to Parliament which further supports the need for an upgrade.
Using this interactive tool, we can give the NSW Government valuable and targeted feedback, and they will consider those comments in determining how the earmarked funding will be used.
Whether it’s a road, roundabout or intersection that needs upgrading, feedback on bus routes and timetables, the difficulties of accessing public transport or private taxis in our smaller towns that needs to be looked at, don’t hesitate to jump online and provide feedback.
For more information visit: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west
Connecting Seniors Grant program now open
The NSW Government’s Connecting Seniors Grant program is now open.
The program helps support older people to connect with others to enhance wellbeing and social connection.
This program aims to support people aged 65 years and over and Aboriginal people aged 50 years and over and is part of the Government’s broader Seniors Strategy.
For seniors most at risk, the aim of the program is to provide ways to enhance meaningful and lasting connections.
Whether you’d like to launch a gardening club, an exercise class or something as simple as an organised book club, I encourage you to consider applying.
The program aims to connect older people through small group activities throughout the year on an ongoing basis. It is important for seniors to connect continually, rather than through one-off programs.
For further information and to apply visit: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.html
Applications close on 21 October 2024.
Service NSW is coming to Yetman and Deepwater
The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is coming to Yetman. They will be set up at Yetman Store car park, 1 River Street on Wednesday, 9 October 2024 from 10am – 3pm.
They will also be at Deepwater at Apex Park, 30 Young Street on Thursday, 10 October 2024 from 10am – 3pm.
Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands
