Happy New Year to everyone across the Northern Tablelands!

I hope everyone had a prosperous and relaxing time over the Christmas and new year period.

Last year was a big year and I am eager to work towards a bigger and better 2025.

I am looking forward to continuing representing and working for the communities across the region this year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Armidale or Moree electorate offices if you have any concerns you wish to raise.

Japanese encephalitis virus

NSW Health has found evidence of the Japanese encephalitis virus in mosquitos in the Moree region.

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness which can be spread by infected mosquitos.

Please take care when venturing outdoors by covering up, using insect repellent, nets, and removing stagnant water from around the home. About one in 250 people infected by the virus experience severe symptoms.

Initial indicators include fever, headaches and vomiting while neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma, seizures, and paralysis are considered severe.

NSW Health has advised anyone who displays these symptoms to contact a doctor, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency call 000 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Farm fire-fighting vehicle trial

The NSW Government is undergoing a trial to exempt vehicles used to fight fires from registration. Participants can nominate a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle (FFFV), or a vehicle used for firefighting purposes.

The nominated vehicle must be declared suitable for safe use and in serviceable condition. They will only be permitted on public roads in connection with emergency bushfire incidents within a 100km radius of the storage address.

The trial will be running until March 31, 2025.

For more information, or to nominate for the trial, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/farm-fire-fighting-vehicle-nomination

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 5 February from 10am – 3pm

The Boggabilla service centre will be set up at Community Health Centre, 74 Merriwa Street on Tuesday, 4 February from 12pm – 3pm.

Grants

The 2025 Community Building Partnership program will open on January 28, 2025.

Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 are available for infrastructure projects which deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes, while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

For more information and eligibility criteria, visit nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-building-partnership-2025

If you wish to apply, please get in touch with either the Armidale or Moree electorate offices so I can support your application.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands