A cracking sunset in Kempsey this afternoon! If you’re looking for something to do this weekend there is plenty to see and do in the beautiful Macleay Valley! Come and support the local shops and producers, visit the beautiful beaches or stop and have a meal at the many wonderful cafes, pubs and breweries. See you t#macleayvalleycoasty#lovecowperc#midnorthcoastnswastnsw
... See MoreSee Less
I am disturbed by the many media reports circulating over the past couple of days in relation to Greens leader Adam Bandt and Senator Lidia Thorpe. In my opinion, they are a national disgrace.
The position of a parliamentarian, there to represent the people of Australia, is both an honour and a privilege.
To refuse to stand in front of our national flag, a flag under which so many have fought and died to preserve the freedoms of this country is nothing but childish theatrics. To then infer that they are only there to ‘infiltrate’ our democratically elected government, whether that be Labor or Coalition, speaks volumes about their party and what they seek to represent.
We are the lucky country, not the perfect country, so to attempt to erase our history, both good and bad, does not create our future.
... See MoreSee Less
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MACLEAY VALLEY BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS
I’m genuinely gutted that there was a date mix up on my invitation this year from the Macleay Valley Business Chamber.
I look forward to the annual Business Awards throughout the electorate and sharing in the celebration of local ingenuity and growth, so to miss out this year was tough.
While I might have missed the event, I would still like to take the opportunity to say ‘job well done’ to each and every one of this year’s winners!
You have all done amazing things in challenging times this past year and I am looking forward to following your progress over the next 12 months.
Please don’t be shocked if I pop in over the next couple of weeks to say ‘well done’ in person. I’d love to hear about each business from the teams on the ground, and to see how each of you have evolved to support #LoveLocalBusinesss Blueberry Greens cKey EmploymenteLocalBusiness
Blueberry GKirstie's Skinsational Beauty TherapyorSouth West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club TherMirror Mirror Hair Loungef Life Saving Club
Mirror Mirror Hair Lounge
@kmrsl_club
@costaricMacleay Valley Support Servicesindersaustralia
Macleay Valley Support Services
@coastalwealthdirections
@sweetblossomfloraldesign
... See MoreSee Less
PUSHING TELSTRA FOR TAYLORS ARM COMMUNITY
Since June 9, my office has had multiple desperate pleas from residents of Taylors Arm who have been without ADSL. From Dairy Farmers to Small Business Owners and Students, all have been significantly impacted.
Without being able to get online, they are unable to perform critical business communications, unable to access study materials and are forced to travel to friends and family outside the region to gain access.
Residents advised us and that Telstra’s response had indicated that the outage would not be restored until June 21.
That in itself is not an acceptable time frame to restore critical services, but here we now sit on June 22 without a resolution. My office has been liaising with our trusted Government assigned contacts within Telstra who do fight on behalf of our community so often.
But the issue on this occasion has not been resolved and we have now been informed that the restoration date has been extended to June 27 due to the complexity of the work required as the team have diagnosed only this morning that the issue is a cut cable.
I think we can all understand technical complexities and crew availability to some degree, but to be without a critical service that was previously connected for 3 weeks is not something I will stand quietly on.
I will be taking this incident further, as the latest example of telecommunications company failing the people of Cowper.
... See MoreSee Less
Sign Up
FIGHTING TO KEEP FUNDING FOR SCU HEALTH PRECINCT
In April it was announced that a re-elected Coalition Government would provide the campus with $27.5 million for Stage 2 of the University’s Health Services Precinct, which will deliver a critical community health clinic that will not only serve the community, but also provide clinical placements for students.
I have written to our new PM and called on the new Government to continue the budgeted commitments made to the Coffs Coast by the Coalition. Now is not the time for allowing the regions to take a back step, particularly in areas like the Mid North Coast with our ever-expanding population.
I hope to see a positive resolution not just for residents of the Coffs Coast, but for the Regions more broadly. This project will be the first test of the new Government’s promises, and I intend to keep them to their word.
You can bet I'll be knocking on as many doors as necessary down in Canberra during the first week back in Parliament!
... See MoreSee Less
Sign Up
RECOGNISING OUR RETIRED POLICE
I had the pleasure of being asked to speak at the recent Retired and Former Police Association meeting in Port Macquarie.
The RFPA has been in operation for over 90 years and exists to improve conditions and quality of life for all former police and police widows.
On the Mid North Coast, the men and women who are members of this organisation meet regularly, providing camaraderie and support, bonded by their shared experiences.
I’m proud to count myself among them.
Providing the right ongoing supports for the mental and physical health and wellbeing of our first responders is critically important. These men and women dedicated themselves to Protect and Serve their communities, with the effects on themselves and their families so often continuing well past their retirement.
Thank you for having me. I look forward to the next catch up!
... See MoreSee Less