My Inverell satellite office will be opening next Tuesday, February 11.

NSW Parliament allows bigger electorates, like the Northern Tablelands, to have part-time satellite offices, provided they are located in existing government buildings.

The Inverell satellite office will be at the Inverell Shire Council chambers, 11 Otho Street, and will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays. Drop by if you have any state government-related queries.

Healthcare worker housing

Approximately $6 million has been secured for healthcare worker housing in Armidale. Providing quality accommodation is essential for recruiting and retaining workers.

Healthcare workforce shortages is an issue across the entire electorate and providing accommodation is a start in improving the current outlook.

The particulars such as location and time frame are yet to be announced by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park but it is still a great announcement for the entire region.

One of the more enjoyable parts of this job is catching up with the residents who are celebrating their 100th birthday. Happy Birthday to the lovely, and very humorous Mrs Margaret Sheehan, of Inverell. I had actually organised to catch up with Mrs Sheehan on Tuesday last week but she bumped me at the last minute as she decided to hit the Inverell shops! She told me she wasn’t going anywhere and I could catch up with her this week! Happy Birthday Mrs Sheehan!

Bundarra Show

The annual Bundarra Show was on last weekend and it was a great success. The show committee did a great job in getting the renovations done to the showground’s facilities updated and it was excellent to see the crowds at the show put them to use at the weekend. Well done to the whole committee for putting on an excellent event.

Uralla Show

The Uralla Show is the next cab off the rank with their event this Saturday. There’s plenty of things on for everyone so get along and support this local show.

Walcha Gun Club

I got to catch up with members of Walcha Gun Club to see their new defibrillator from the Local Sport Defibrillator Program. It was good to see the club’s facilities, particularly with a competitive two-day shoot this weekend. It means a big weekend beckons for Walcha with the annual Cup and Memorial race days.

ePetition launched

A Parliamentary ePetition was launched to change the Young Offenders Act and I encourage residents across the Northern Tablelands to sign.

The ePetition is seeking to:

Strengthen bail laws to prevent violent young offenders from re-offending;

Provide increased resources and support for police officers to effectively apprehend and prosecute offenders; and

Review the judicial system to prioritise community safety.

The petition requires 20,000 signatures to be scheduled for debate in parliament.

The ePetition can be viewed and signed HERE

Parliament

Parliament sittings resume next week and I will be bringing local issues forward. I have spoken to all seven mayors across the electorate and will be addressing crime in parliamentary sittings. Offenders need to be accountable for the impact they have on the innocent victims and the community. It is time for change

NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards

Nominate an outstanding older person in their community with nominations for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Nominations for Local Achievement Awards can be made by completing the nomination form and returning to the Armidale or Moree electorate offices.

The form is available online at brendanmoylan.com.au or collect a printed copy from the Armidale or Moree electorate offices.

Nominations close on February 28, 2025 and recipients will be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival.

For more information about NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, visit [seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au]seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au

Grants

Applications for Essential Energy’s Essential Grants program open on 3 February. The grants are aimed at not-for-profit community groups and organisations.

Visit their website Essential Grants for more information.

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands