A $300,000 grant was secured for Macintyre High School’s outdoor multi-purpose sports courts to be redeveloped.

The courts are used seven days a week by the school, and the wider community, for outdoor activities so the rebuild is a much needed one.

A few years ago, the school’s P&C recognised the need for an overhaul and began applying for grants to get the job done.

Thanks to the help of Ladybug Projects in Inverell, they were successful in the most recent round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants Program – Clubgrants Category 3 Fund for the project. Well done to everyone involved in securing this funding for this important project.

ePetition rejecting transmission line hits 20,000 signatures

An ePetition requesting the NSW Government scrap EnergyCo’s transmission line corridor from the Bayswater Power Station to Walcha has reached the 20,000 signatures needed to be scheduled for debate on the floor of Parliament.

The ePetition was put together by more than 100 farmers who will be forced into giving up their land under the planned transmission route.

Throughout the renewable roll out EnergyCo have failed to properly engage with landowners, communities and leaders from the impacted areas while the Minns Labor Government has continued to disregard the genuine concerns raised by our regional communities.

This will be the second time a debate on the proposed transmission corridor will be heard in Parliament and the government needs to stop ignoring the people of regional NSW.

There is yet to be a date set for the debate but I will keep you all informed of when it is scheduled. I hope to see a full gallery when it happens.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important commemorations with communities across the country coming together to pay their respects to those who have served our country and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

I encourage everyone in the community to attend a local service this Saturday to honour those who fought for our country. Lest we forget.

TAS rugby carnival

More than 1200 junior rugby union players from 69 teams played at The Armidale School’s carnival last weekend.

The carnival is the biggest of its kind in the country and teams come from across the eastern side of Australia to take part. It was a fantastic weekend and great to be part of. Well done to the organisers, volunteers, players and everyone involved for making it a success.

Walcha gun club funding

A total of $8000 was secured for Walcha Clay Target Association through the Local Sport Grant Program to build a new barbecue and food preparation area.

The club hosts around 40 members every month for a meet as well as bigger events which can attract people from all over the region and further afield.

The current food preparation setup and barbecue area is not equipped for the club to put meals on and then generate more income to put back into their events.

By securing this funding the club can build a new area and create a better space. Great news for one of our hardworking clubs!

New defibrillator for Walcha Sports Club

The Walcha Sports Club received a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED), through the Local Sport Defibrillator Program 2025-26.

The Walcha Sports Club has around 150 members and often hires out their facility to local clubs around the area.

In the event of an emergency, having a defibrillator on-hand is vital for clubs and organisations.

It is fantastic to see one of these life-saving devices installed at the Walcha Sports Club thanks to the Local Sport Defibrillator Program.

Mobile offices

This week I held mobile offices in Mungindi and Deepwater.

The mobile offices are a great opportunity for residents in smaller communities to raise state government issues without having to venture to Armidale, Moree or Inverell.

Thank-you to everyone who came along to Flock in Mungindi and the Deepwater Hall to chat about issues that are important to them.

Mobile offices are heading to Upper Horton on July 21 and Yetman on July 22.  Ebor has been postponed.

Community Building Partnership program expressions of interest

Applications for the Community Building Partnership program are now open.

The CBP program provides grants from $10,000 to $100,000 to local community organisations and councils for small local infrastructure projects.

A total of $450,000 to be spread across the entire Northern Tablelands electorate is available. Last year’s program saw 19 different projects funded for things like access ramps, air conditioning, sports equipment, sound equipment, lawnmowers and kitchen upgrades.

To apply, visit Community Building Partnership.

Double demerits

Double demerits are now in place until 11.59pm on Monday, April 27 for the Anzac Day long weekend.

The double demerits program targets high-risk behaviours including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use and motorcycle helmet offences.

What’s on

April 25: Anzac Day

April 30: until May 3: Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes

May 1: University of New England open day

May 3: Homestead Concert Series at Langford Homestead, Walcha

May 9: Moree on a Plate at Moree racecourse

May 7-10: Warialda Show

May 9: Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day from 10am to 2pm

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands