Hornsby Community Fun Day

Fri, 23 Nov 2018

I attended the Hornsby Community Fun Day. Organised by StreetWork, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Wahroonga and a number of local businesses, this event celebrated International Men’s Day and raised awareness about men as positive role models. Fundraising on the day went towards funding a StreetWork Youth Worker for the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai area. I had the opportunity to have a chat on Triple H 100.1 FM radio about the day, as well as try out the go-karts!

Well done to Lucy Dahill, Lana Sturmer, and the StreetWork team for a successful event. If you would like to donate to the work of StreetWork, you can do so here: http://www.streetwork.org.au/get-involved/.

Armistice Day 2018

Tue, 13 Nov 2018

I attended a number of Centenary of Armistice Day Commemoration events that were held over three days in Bradfield.

The Roseville RSL Sub Branch’s Friday service was well attended by Bradfield school students, local dignitaries and descendants of former Bradfield resident, the late Major Blair Anderson Wark VC. I congratulate President Michael Askey RFD (Rtd) and Mr Malcolm Whitney of the Roseville RSL Sub Branch for organising a dignified service, culminating in participants placing a poppy on the memorial.

I attended the annual Air Force Memorial Service at All Saint’s West Lindfield on Sunday 11 November culminating with a minute’s silence at 11.00am. Thank you to Rev Phill Read and the staff at All Saint’s.  The Centenary of Armistice Service on Sunday afternoon at St John’s Gordon was ably led by Father Keith Dalby and Father Rob Sutherland.  It featured beautiful music from the choir and the catafalque party of Knox and Ravenswood cadets did a wonderful job.

Commemorations continued in the late afternoon at the Hornsby Cenotaph, where I attended the Hornsby RSL Pipe Band’s performance at precisely 5.00pm AEDST of “The Battle’s O’er” (who joined with tens of thousands of other pipe bands the world over). It was a rousing rendition, enjoyed by many locals in the warmth of the setting sun. Thank  you to Hornsby RSL President Terry James and Pipe Band Major Brian Thompson and the pipers for all your considerable effort in orchestrating this occasion.

The Centenary of Armistice Service at Masada College was a fitting way to close the commemorations on Sunday evening. I joined other local dignitaries in laying wreaths. Thank you to George Charlton and Masada staff and students for the effort and thought you put into this ceremony.

Bare Creek Trail Run 2018

Sun, 11 Nov 2018

This year’s Bare Creek trail run was a great community event and I enjoyed the chance to run the 6 km course.  It runs through the stunning Garigal National Park and starts and finishes at Acron Oval in St Ives. This event is supported by a number of community organisations and businesses. This year’s charity partner was the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, raising funds for the IMF Deadly Running Programme which helps to support children's programmes in indigenous communities. I had the opportunity to speak to the runners prior to the start of the run and acknowledge the significance of Armistice Day, and congratulate Lisa Murphy and the Bare Creek Trail Run team for a great event. Looking forward to next year’s run!

Chatswood Community Meeting

Wed, 07 Nov 2018

I held a Community Meeting at the Dougherty Centre in Chatswood to provide an update on the work of the Morrison Government and to receive feedback from constituents. Issues raised included energy policy, border protection and population policy. If you are a constituent and would like to attend a future Community Meeting please contact my office.

St Patrick's Asquith Fete

Mon, 29 Oct 2018

I dropped into the annual St Patrick’s Asquith School fete, where I joined with Principal Bernard Cumming in declaring the fete officially open. The dedicated team of St Patrick’s staff, parents and students organised a very successful event with plenty going on – including dance performances, silent auctions, stalls of every description (tombola, show bags, fine food and fun food) and plenty more.

Graffiti Removal Day

Mon, 22 Oct 2018

On Sunday 21 October I worked with members of the Turramurra Rotary Club to remove graffiti in Gordon as part of Graffiti Removal Day. Well done to Roger, Don & Parry and all at Turramurra Rotary for taking the lead locally as part of this important state-wide initiative.   It is a practical and effective way to help keep our local area looking great.

Queens' Portrait Presentation

Mon, 22 Oct 2018

I held an afternoon tea to present constituents with portraits of Her Majesty the Queen.  There was plenty of interest – from young and old alike - following recent media coverage that every constituent is entitled to receive a portrait of Her Majesty. If you too would like to receive a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, feel free to drop into my office and my staff would be more than happy to help.

Centenary of Wireless Broadcast

Tue, 09 Oct 2018

I recently attended the historic 100 year anniversary of the first direct wireless message from Wales to Wahroonga. I congratulate Jo Harris OAM and Geoff Little from the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society for their considerable efforts in commemorating this occasion – including the re-enactment of receiving the Morse Code message before a crowd of 400 strong locals and dignitaries at the monument outside Lucania on the corner of Cleveland and Stuart Streets Wahroonga. Thanks too to the volunteers from local radio Triple H broadcast the ceremony – well worth a listen here!

Visiting Bobbin Head Probus Club

Mon, 08 Oct 2018

I attended the Probus Club of Bobbin Head’s monthly meeting to address the group on Australia’s economic performance as well as some of the Morrison Government’s successes in my new portfolio of Families and Social Services, including the cashless debit card trial in Ceduna, Kalgoorlie and the East Kimberley region. I enjoyed the ensuing discussion on a range of issues such as coming new transport options for our area thanks to the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest (2019) and North Connex (2020). Thanks to club President Catherine Reidy and organiser Brian Cannon for your warm hospitality.

Visit to Barra Brui Probus Club

Fri, 28 Sep 2018

I attended the Probus Club of Barra Brui’s monthly meeting at the Turramurra Bowling Club.  I enjoyed  providing an update on Australia’s economic performance – including the welcome news that the Final Budget Outcome for 2017-18 is Australia's best in a decade. Club President Brian Ricketts and Vice President Peter Vincent hosted a very strong number of members who engaged with me on the topic of “A Fair Go for those who Have a Go”.

Lindfield Gardens Visit

Fri, 28 Sep 2018

I attended the Residents’ Forum at Lindfield Gardens Retirement Village and enjoyed meeting with some of the village’s seniors in the relaxed atmosphere overlooking picturesque Middle Harbour. The briefing I gave was followed by lively and perceptive commentary and advice (which I always appreciate receiving), including a discussion on the terms of reference for the Morrison Governments recently announced Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, as well as the protection of religious freedoms. Thanks to Pam Taylor and her team for inviting me into speak at Lindfield Gardens.

Fernbank Visit

Fri, 21 Sep 2018

I attended afternoon tea with the residents at Fernbank retirement village in St Ives, where we had a lively discussion covering issues such as population and immigration and the economy.  I also told the residents about some of my work as Minister for Families and Social Services, such as the cashless debit card trial.