Last month, 16 new paramedics began work out of the Moree Ambulance Station.

They were part of a cohort of 125 paramedics beginning work in rural and regional New South Wales as part of the Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team program, known as SWIFT.

I caught up with some of these paramedics at the Moree Ambulance Station to see how they’re settling in and , like all ambulance officers, they’re doing a fantastic job.

Armidale Volunteer Awards

National Volunteer Week runs from 19 May to May 25 and celebrates the six million people who volunteer for organisations across Australia.

Volunteers have a significant impact on, and play a vital role in our communities.

I attended the New England Regional Volunteer Awards in Armidale on Wednesday.

New England Regional Volunteer of the Year was Henry Raymond from Meals on Wheels Armidale-Uralla.

Congratulations to all the nominees and well done to the winners.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan called into Moree Ambulance Station last week to welcome 16 new paramedics, who began work last month.

Floods and roads

After much lobbying over the last few days Walcha and Armidale have now been included in the NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration after the recent wet weather.

This means these councils can now restore damaged public assets such as roads.

Thank you to Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, Armidale Regional Council mayor Sam Coupland and Walcha Council mayor Eric Noakes for the work to get this done.

Tobacco inquiry submissions open

A parliamentary inquiry into illegal tobacco trade has been established and referred to the Legislative Council Committee on Justice and Communities.

Submissions are now open and I encourage anyone who is concerned by the proliferation of illegal tobacco shops in our region to make a submission.

You can make your submission here: Illegal Tobacco Trade.

National Parks

The NSW Government has proposed an increase to the cost of camping in NSW National Parks. If the price hike is to go ahead, it could prevent families from engaging with regional parts of the state.

Camping has always been an affordable way for families to escape the hustle and bustle and relax in the natural environment without breaking the bank.

The Northern Tablelands is full of picturesque and accessible national parks which brings a significant number of tourists to the region.

If the cost of camping in our national parks increases, other parts of the region will suffer including small businesses like cafés and pubs.

There is a consultation paper outlining details of the proposal and you can share your feedback by 11.59pm this Sunday, May 25 at Have Your Say on Camping.

Panel at UNE

I was invited to be part of the Legal Studies and the Legislature event at the University of New England on Friday.

This event saw Legal Studies students from around the region to gather to discuss the roles Members play in law-making, law reform, and community representation.

President of the Legislative Council of NSW, Ben Franklin, solicitor and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Juliana McArthur and myself were part of a panel where we had the chance to discuss our roles in government and how we play our part in the development and reform of law.

Thank you to everyone involved and well done to all the students for coming along.

Their questions and knowledge on the legal system was fantastic.

NSW Parliament school tour subsidy

Regional, rural and remote schools can access a travel subsidy when visiting NSW Parliament in 2025. For more information visit NSW School Tour Travel Subsidy.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands