The emergency department at Moree Hospital has been left without a doctor on numerous occasions over the last few weeks.

During those periods, Hunter New England Health have continually failed to inform the community of around 8000 people when there is no doctor on-hand.

Instead, patients who present to emergency are forced to use an unreliable online service.

A video screen does not work in an emergency. It is not an adequate replacement for an on-hand doctor.

People are travelling from remote farms and villages with emergency health issues only to be told there is no doctor present.

This is not good enough and just because we live in the regions does not mean we shouldn’t have access to a doctor in the ED.

The Minns Labor Government has again failed the people of regional NSW and our more isolated community members by not providing essential services and I have written to Minister for Health Ryan Park for action.

The Federal Government also needs to step up and do something about the chronic shortage of General Practitioners in the regions.

Brendan Moylan was guest speaker at Austin Page College’s annual political lecture and dinner.

Police awards

Thirty-one police officers (both serving and retired), and staff were honoured at the New England Police District medal and awards ceremony on Thursday at Inverell.

There were long service medals and awards, bravery medals and awards handed out for exceptional courageous service.

Being a police officer can be both a challenging and rewarding career and some of the stories we heard about those receiving awards were incredibly impactful.

Thank you to all the police officers who serve in our communities.

Armidale Golf club receives funding

Armidale Golf Club received a $72,000 grant from the Community Building Partnership program to install air conditioning at the club house.

This was timely given Armidale’s chilly climate. It is a popular venue which hosts thousands of people per year including school and community groups as well as the 500 club members.

Hopefully that patronage will only increase and benefit the wider community thanks to the warmer conditions!

Austin Page College annual politics dinner

I was invited to be the guest speaker at Austin Page College’s annual politics lecture and dinner.

It was the 37th time the lecture has taken place and offers the chance for students and other community members to engage with Members of Parliament on regional topics.

It was a fantastic night and thank you to the college for inviting me to be part of it.

Gwydir Industries fundraiser

Gwydir Industries held a fundraiser at Tarrawingee Farm recently.

Gwydir Industries is a not-for-profit organisation which provides support for people with disabilities in Moree. The fundraiser was a huge success with more than $300,000 raised.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Bundarra water treatment plant improvements

Uralla Shire Council will receive a support package as part of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program.

It will provide analysis, scope of works, support in identifying operational risks and issues and opportunities for improvement, and to support implementation of recommended upgrades and improvements at the Bundarra water treatment plant.

The program is included in Advanced Operational Support from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The program is aimed at managing drinking water quality risks and challenges. All phases are expected to be carried out over the next three years.

Funding for Guyra waste transfer station

The Guyra waste transfer station will undergo improvements with Armidale Regional Council receiving a $300,000 grant from the NSW EPA’s Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvement Program.

The program supports long-term rehabilitation of landfill sites by eliminating exposed waste, seep control, protecting water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and more.

NSW Women of the Year Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Nominations are open for the following six categories: Woman of Excellence; Aboriginal Woman of the Year; Community Hero of the Year; Young Woman of the Year; Regional Woman of the Year; and One to Watch.

More information about each of the Award categories and how to nominate can be found at: NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Nominations close September 9 at 11.59pm.

Service NSW mobile centres

Service NSW is bringing their mobile service centre to Gravesend, Pallamallawa, Guyra and Uralla. The mobile service centre can help with driver knowledge tests, drivers licence applications and renewals, working with children check, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more.

The mobile service centre will be at Moffat Park Gwydir Highway, Gravesend on Tuesday, September 15 from 9am to 11am.

The mobile service centre will be near Pally Pub, 59 Bingera Street, Pallamallawa, Tuesday, September 15 from 12pm to 3pm.

The mobile service centre will be at Public Car Park,119 Bradley Street, Guyra on Tuesday, September 23 from 9am to 3pm.

The mobile service centre will be at Apex Memorial Park, 55 Bridge Street on Wednesday, September 24 from 9am 3pm.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands