A total of $298,600 was secured to extend BackTrack’s successful Night Crew program.

The program sees youth workers on Armidale streets three nights per week to engage with vulnerable young people. It was first trialled for 12 weeks in 2025 with fantastic results, including a significant reduction in break-ins and reported stolen vehicles. Armidale Regional Council and I continued to knock on doors to get the program funded further.

This is a great result for Armidale.

Guyra Polocrosse Club

I visited Guyra Polocrosse Club earlier this week to catch up with president Dan Klabe and Sara Hancock, and to check out their new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) secured through the Local Sport Defibrillator Program 2025-26.

The club gets huge numbers of people at their carnivals, and the nearest hospital is located about 10 minutes away, so having a defibrillator on-hand could be vital in saving someone’s life following cardiac arrest.

St Philomena’s Moree unveils new building

The new refurbished classrooms and administration building at St Philomena’s School in Moree were officially opened and blessed last Thursday.

The state-of-the-art facility was partially funded with $3 million from the previous Coalition government and a bequest from sisters Robina Teitzel and Ivy Lillycrap.

The new building looks great and it was fantastic to attend the opening alongside students, teachers, community members, parishioners and Federal MP Jamie Chaffey.

Anzac Day

Across the Northern Tablelands, communities gathered on Anzac Day to remember and commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country.

I attended the dawn service in Armidale which saw a huge crowd gather and attend.

Then it was over to Moree for the main service with another big crowd.

The service was held in the Moree War Memorial Hall which was reopened after a $7 million redevelopment.

Well done to Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse and deputy mayor Wayne Tighe for their efforts in the restoration project.

Refined transmission line corridor

Refinements for the New England Renewable Energy Zone transmission line corridor were released this week with the corridor reduced to 1km wide.

Although some landholders will no longer be affected by the transmission line, EnergyCo have again ignored concerns of local landholders and residents.

The refinement will still have a huge impact on firefighting operations and koala colonies. Our local landholders want to be heard but the Minns Labor Government has failed to do that.

Westpac community service centre in Walcha

A Community Banker will be in town every second fortnight from May 15 and at The Walcha Telecottage at 39 West Fitzroy Street.

More information on community banking can be found HERE.

Applications for Community War Memorials funding open

Applications for grants of up to $15,000 for the conservation of war memorials across NSW are now open. The Community War Memorials Fund supports organisations who are responsible for management of war memorials.

For application criteria and to apply, visit Community War Memorials Funding.

Have your say: Section 22c of the Bail Act

The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on the temporary bail test that applies to young people under section 22C of the Bail Act 2013.

Section 22C created an additional temporary bail test for young people aged 14 to 17 years who are charged with a motor theft, serious breaking and entering, or a performance crime offence, while on bail for a similar offence.

It has been in place since 3 April 2024 and is legislated to remain in place until October 1, 2026.

DCJ is seeking community feedback on the policy objectives and terms of the temporary bail test to inform the statutory review.

The consultation paper can be viewed HERE.

Submissions can be made via email to [email protected] and close 4 May.

What’s On

May 3: Homestead Concert Series at Langford Homestead, Walcha

April 30 to May 3: Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes.

May 9: Moree on a Plate at Moree racecourse.

May 7 to 10: Warialda Show.

May 9: Deepwater Community Expo at Deepwater School of Arts hall.

May 9: Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day at 66 Barney Street, Armidale from 10am to 2pm

Service NSW mobile centres

Service NSW is bringing their mobile service centre to Gravesend and Pallamallawa.

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 in Gravesend on Tuesday, May 12 from 9am until 11am.

The mobile service centre will be at near Pally Pub in Pallamallawa Tuesday, May 12 from 12pm until 3pm.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands