Unfortunately, this week has been dominated by crime.
There’s a clear message coming from the communities in our region that everyone has had enough. As I have said before, this is not just a Moree problem, it is a regional New South Wales problem and it is time the government started listening to the people on the ground.
I have called on the Minns Labor Government to protect our communities from repeat serious offenders by delivering major legislative reforms.
The current bail laws are ineffective and tougher measures need to be implemented to make sure the harm caused to the victim is of greater importance than the offender’s age.
It falls on the Minns Labor Government to change the laws so courts are obligated to impose hard-hitting sentences on serious repeat offenders.
If the Government fails to introduce legislative reforms to protect our communities , then I will be looking to introduce a Private Member’s Bill.
Those of us who live in country towns deserve to feel safe.
Enough is enough.
Brendan Moylan attended the 2025 Deepwater Cup meeting on January 25.
Deepwater Cup
I made my way to Deepwater on Saturday to attend the 160th anniversary of the Deepwater Cup.
It was a cracking day and community spirit was out in force.
A huge congratulations to the Deepwater Race Club and everyone involved for making the day a huge success.
Australia Day honours
Congratulations to the Northern Tablelands residents who received Australia Day honours.
Walcha’s Anna Barwick received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the pharmacy profession.
Inverell’s Dianna Baker also received an OAM for her service to local government and the community of Inverell.
Moree’s Inspector Helen Therese McWilliam received an Australian Police Medal for distinguished service in the Australian Police Force.
Armidale resident Dr Alexander Moule was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to dentistry. Gwydir’s Patricia Hadley received an OAM for her service to community.
Walcha Council
I attended a Walcha Council meeting earlier this week.
It was excellent to meet councillors face-to-face and discuss issues affecting the area. I look forward to continuing to work with them.
Australia Day
There were lots of community activities all around the region for Australia Day and I had the chance to get to three different towns for different events.
On Saturday night I was at the Glen Innes Services Club for the Ambassadors Dinner.
The Glen Innes Australia Day Ambassador was film and TV legend Peter Herbert who worked on some of the country’s best movies and TV shows, including Acropolis Now.
Then on Sunday I went to the beautiful Central Park in Armidale for their Australia Day ceremony. It was great to celebrate the Australia Day award winners and welcome more than 90 new Australian citizens.
Following Armidale’s event, I visited Uralla’s Alma Park for their awards ceremony.
Congratulations to everyone who was honoured.
Midwife graduation
Congratulations to all the graduates from the from Northern Hunter New England Health Midstart program.
The program began more than 30 years ago and is aimed at having Registered Nurses undertake a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery while being employed full-time in a hospital.
Moree hosted the graduation service on Friday which saw graduates from Moree, Narrabri, Inverell, Tamworth and Armidale.
It is great to see nurses furthering their education within our region.
Uralla water
Uralla Shire Council has received a grant of up to $855, 315 from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to undergo studies for long-term water management. The money will allow council to investigate water supply challenges and identify major risks associated with long-term water supply.
Moree Shire water restrictions
Both Moree and Mungindi now have level two water restrictions in place.
Mungindi also has a boil water alert due to problems with water treatment.
For more information, contact Moree Plains Shire Council on (02) 6757 3222.
NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards
Nominate an outstanding older person in their community with nominations for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.
Nominations for Local Achievement Awards can be made by completing the nomination form and returning to the Armidale or Moree electorate offices.
The form is available online at www.brendanmoylan.com.au or collect a printed copy from the Armidale or Moree electorate offices.
Nominations close February 28, 2025 and recipients will be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival.
For more information about NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, visit Seniors Festival 2025.
Service NSW mobile service centres
Service NSW are bringing their mobile service centres to Mungindi and Boggabilla in February.
The mobile service centres can help with licensing, driver knowledge tests, working with children checks, birth, death and marriage certificates, and government rebate and voucher programs.
The Mungindi Service Centre will be at Barwon River Park, 155 George Street on Wednesday, February 5 from 10am until 3pm.
The Boggabilla service centre will be set up at Community Health Centre, 74 Merriwa Street on Tuesday, February 4 from 12pm until 3pm.
Grants
Applications for Essential Energy’s Essential Grants program open on 3 February.
The grants are aimed at not-for-profit community groups and organisations.
Visit Essential Grants for more information.
Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands
