Congratulations to the two women from Armidale who were named finalists in the NSW Women of the Year Awards which are part of NSW Women’s Week in March.
Dr Annette Cowie is a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award while Penny Lamaro is a finalist in the NSW Regional Woman of the Year category.
Dr Cowie is a professor at the University of New England and has a background in soil science and plant nutrition.
Ms Lamaro is the chief executive officer at the Women’s Shelter Armidale. She is the leader of this community-owned crisis service which supports women fleeing violence in regional NSW.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, March 6 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. Well done to both Annette and Penny!
Show season
It has been excellent to get out and about to the region’s annual shows.
Last Saturday I went to Uralla Show which saw a big crowd. Congratulations to the show committee for putting on an excellent event.
Glen Innes show started Friday and runs through the weekend.
It is important to support these long-standing events so get along and enjoy what is on offer.
There was plenty to see and do at the Uralla Show last weekend.
Parliament resumes
I have been back in Sydney for the first sittings of Parliament for 2025.
Crime is very much on the agenda and I will continue to push for legislative reforms.
This week, I had the chance to catch up with Gwydir Shire Council’s mayor Tiff Galvin, general manager Max Eastcott, engineering manager Alex Eddy and Minister for Water, Rose Jackson.
We discussed what is needed to secure Warialda’s drinking water supply.
Regional Youth Crime Reform Bill
I gave notice in Parliament on Thursday of the introduction of the Regional Youth Crime Reform Bill.
Depending on the amount of Government business, the Bill will be read and debated during the current sittings or in the March parliamentary sittings.
The three proposed changes include:
Reversal of doli incapax;
To remove the loophole in section 22(c) of the Bail Act so courts, including the Supreme Court, are not permitted to grant bail to serious juvenile repeat offenders; and
To require courts to place greater weight on the impact on the victim when sentencing an offender.
The purpose of the Bill is to protect the community.
Although diversionary programs are important serious repeat offenders should be held accountable.
Border Regional Organisation of Councils
As Parliament doesn’t sit on Friday, I took the opportunity to head to Bingara to attend the Border Regional Organisation of Councils meeting.
BROC is a great opportunity for councils to come together and talk about a wide range of issues including roads, water security, health, housing, and crime.
Anzac Memorial Scholarship
Applications are open for the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship are open now and close on March 9.
Year 10 and 11 history students have the opportunity to travel on a study tour to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war.
The tour includes visits to significant historical sites to learn about the servicemen and women in the World Wars.
To apply, visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship
The tour will take place in the term three school holidays from September 29 to October 10, 2025.
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 on 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 www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au
Commentary by Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan
