June 2014 Community News from Leslie Williams MP Member for

One of the most important issues I am involved in locally is the protection of children against sexual assault. We as Work Commences On a society must do everything we can to ensure children can live in a safe environment because sadly this is not Lake Cathie Public School always the case. Last year I was involved with the formation of a Bravehearts branch on the and I am proud to be one of the active committee members led by Chairman Malcolm Neale. Bravehearts is ’s leading child protection advocacy organisation trying to stop child sexual assault in our society and to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child. Unfortunately, the statistics indicate we have some work to do. One in five children will be sexually abused in Australia by the time they are 18. Since October last year, there have been almost 60 new cases of child sexual abuse reported on the Mid North Coast. That is a shocking figure and we as a community shouldn’t stand for it. We can all do something to fight back against these perpetrators and I encourage you to support the local Bravehearts team to make sure our children are protected. Bravehearts has developed what is called the 3 pillars – to Educate, Empower & Protect our kids. There is a counselling line operating 6 days per week, 12 hours per Education Minister Adrian Piccoli, Charli Collins, Leslie Williams and Lelani Dietich day, and recently they have partnered with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Work is well underway on the construction of the $8.3 million Lake Cathie Public School which will serve the Lake Cathie and Bonny They have also developed an education programme that Hills communities. has been specifically designed for children aged 3 to 8, called the Ditto Keep Safe Adventure Show . The Ditto The Lake Cathie and communities have been calling for a show is visiting pre-schools & primary schools in school in this area for many years now, and their work has shown the Laurieton, Wauchope & Port Macquarie in August, and supportive nature of their community. The school will have capacity for up to 250 students. will be seen by 1,200 children. The new Lake Cathie school will have 10 classrooms and other Local people can also show their support by attending facilities will include a library, school hall and canteen. Construction the Bravehearts Mid North Coast White Balloon Day work also includes the building of an administration building, staff Breakfast to be held on Friday 12 September 7:00am to facilities, games and assembly courts, a covered outdoor learning 8:30am at Panthers Port Macquarie. Contact: Janette area, a sports field, and a car park. Hyde 0418 837 683 or Louise Rakowski 6581 0518. Email [email protected] The school will include the latest principles of energy efficiency and ecological sustainability, with natural ventilation and lighting, water recycling and efficient heating and cooling. I have long been a supporter of a school for the Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills area, and I thank Education Minister Adrian Piccoli for his ongoing commitment to both this project and our community. Leslie Williams Member for Port Macquarie

Leslie, Larry Collins, Ditto and Malcolm Neale Mike Baird Visits Highlighting The Williams Promoted In Premier’s Reshuffle My Website

Port Macquarie Leslie Williams and Environment Minister Rob Stokes Recently I launched my website as yet another way to connect with our local The Camden Haven community are getting $28,495 for an all-terrain vehicle. Finally the community and I encourage you to visit and Camden behind two local initiatives, both of which will trusted tractor has been replaced by a be of enormous benefit to the locals and modern, easy-to-drive and adaptable vehicle www.lesliewilliams.com.au Haven Again visitors. The Beach to Beach and School to which not surprisingly goes a little faster than The site allows you to instantly access my School pathway/cycleway projects are an its predecessor. media releases, photos, links to the NSW excellent example of communities working It is much more effective and efficient in Parliament, my Parliamentary speeches together to achieve positive outcomes. transporting equipment to the beach and and Facebook as well as information The projects aim to create safer pedestrian importantly will save vital minutes if required about the Port Macquarie electorate. access between local schools and shopping for a rescue. A smartphone or Ipad app can centres assisting people to stay active in the I was delighted to hand over the keys to club also be downloaded which lets community and improve connectivity captain, Glen O’Brien recently to the you message or phone my office directly between villages in the Camden Haven. I applause of members and many very excited as well as getting directions to the office. fully support both of these initiatives and nippers who were ready for their Sunday life Last month I was extremely honoured and proud to accept a promotion to the role of have written to Port Macquarie-Hastings The website also saving activities. Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy. Council to offer assistance in seeking has a link to finances for these projects once designs are The Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club is As a strong supporter of renewable energy in all of its forms I welcome the opportunity to subscribe to a finalised. I have also spoken to a number of going through a revitalisation thanks to some embrace this new role and progress the Government’s vision for a secure, reliable, affordable weekly eNewsletter. iKew Centre volunteers Diane Hayes, Cynthia Smith, Ministers about identifying funding opportuni- new faces on the executive committee who and clean energy future for . Joy Walker, Garry Carpenter with Mike Baird and Leslie Williams ties that will see these projects realised. have effectively partnered with senior and The NSW Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP) positions NSW to grow renewable energy to experienced club members resulting in a The Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club support the national target of 20% by 2020 at least cost to the energy customer and with marked increase in membership, particularly Just a couple of weeks before becoming successfully applied for a Community maximum benefits in terms of investment in NSW. nippers. Premier, then Treasurer Mike Baird made Building Partnership grant and received his fourth visit to Port Macquarie since NSW has excellent renewable energy resources but to grow the sector successfully there are the 2011 election. a number of challenges to address including the higher cost of renewables, barriers to investment and community concern. During his visit to the Hastings, Mr Baird met with members of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and volunteers of the iKew Centre at Kew where he presented a cheque for During Seniors Week (15-23 March) I presented a number of $14,500. The funding was a Community local residents with Local Achievement Awards for their Building Partnership (CBP) grant and will outstanding contribution to our community. be invested in improvements to the toilet These Awards are an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to facilities at Kew. hundreds of local seniors for their enthusiasm and impressive Mr Baird also inspected the new Ocean commitment to their community. Seniors deserve recognition Club Resort at Lake Cathie and joined for the important contribution they make across so many residents for morning tea. Next stop was different areas of community life. Tacking Point Lighthouse to inspect the Brian Buckett was among the award recipients in the Port upgrade works being undertaken by Macquarie electorate and for many years has contributed to members of the Rotary Club of Port our local community as a leader and an advocate for many Macquarie Sunrise with labour provided organisations including the Foreshore Protection Association, through Wesley Uniting Employment. the Combined Pensioners and the Douglas Vale Vineyard to name just a few. Jill King and Sandra Gordon were also The Rotary Club successfully applied for Nancy Burley, Brian Buckett, Leslie Williams a CBP grant of $29,616 for the current recognised as well as local organisations Lifeline Shop in works, and in the 2013/14 round of Gordon Street and Hastings District Respite Care of Port Macquarie. grants received a further $28,400 for the next stage of the project. These people and organisations have demonstrated an Recognising enormous commitment and kindness to our local community. The seniors awarded represent the diversity of talent,

All-terrain vehicle generosity of spirit and limitless energy of seniors in the Port Impressive Seniors Macquarie electorate.

Construction work on Sancrox Road near the Pacific Highway is conditions for freight traffic, travellers and local motorists. It is Sancrox Road – underway with the awarding of a $30 million contract to Ferrovial expected that the project will create more than 1,000 direct jobs as Agroman Australia. well as indirect jobs and will have positive benefits for the local economy. The Sancrox Road interchange is the early works for the Oxley Pacific Highway Highway to Kempsey upgrade and includes building local service As a parent of young adults who regularly drive north along the roads and a bridge over the Pacific Highway. The 37 kilometre Pacific Highway it is comforting to know that work to improve the Interchange upgrade is divided into two sections – the to safety of this major highway continues. Kundabung and Kundabung to Kempsey. For more on the Pacific Highway upgrade visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ Upgrade Starts Both projects are jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales roadprojects Government and when completed will improve travel times and Patrick Cassegrain, Leslie Williams, David Gillespie and James Dunn Another Successful Respect Port Macquarie Pedestrians Ironman Almost 2,000 aspiring and professional IRONMAN athletes from across Australia and the world converged on Port Macquarie last month for the Toyota IRONMAN Australia. Williams Launches Comprising of a 3.8km swim in the , a 180km bike ride and a 42km run, the race showcased the very best of the Bats Petition, Calls For coastal city to athletes and spectators across the world. Concerned local residents with Leslie Williams IRONMAN Australia is an event the NSW Government is very proud to support through our tourism and major events agency Community Support Destination NSW. Like so many others I always look forward to IRONMAN, not only the wonderful atmosphere on race day, but also for the motivational stories of the many competitors. Last month I launched a petition calling This is an issue that affects communities restrictive and does not provide effective on the NSW Government to develop a across NSW including a large colony in solutions to give relief to residents when The event is also very important for the local economy. This year, better management strategy to deal Maclean to the north as well as in Port flying fox colonies roost in such large Port Macquarie welcomed close to 1,800 athletes, almost half of more effectively with flying fox Macquarie. numbers. whom came from overseas or interstate. In addition, almost 2,000 infestations in urban and built-up areas. volunteers supported the event and without doubt they are I want to bring to the attention of the I’m hoping that with the strong message paramount to the efficient and professional organisation of race day. For years there have been calls for Parliament and the Minister the existing this petition will send and a fresh set of

Police officers Aaron Wilson and Tim Williams, with Leslie Williams and Elliot Holtham and Melissa Hauschildt were the winners on the day something to be done about the bats and potential impacts that flying fox eyes from the new Minister for the Superintendent Paul Fehon but as a spectator and volunteer I watched in awe and consider living in the Kooloonbung Creek Nature colonies have on the health and Environment Rob Stokes looking at this every single competitor a winner, particularly the hundreds of locals Reserve in Port Macquarie with wellbeing of residents when they roost in problem, we can achieve some progress Over the past few weeks a number of local residents have and visitors who completed this endurance race for the first time. complaints about the smell, noise and their hundreds of thousands in urban or on this issue. Copies of the petition are raised concerns that they have almost been knocked over by potential health issues related to the bat built-up areas. available at the Port Macquarie The complex logistics in organising such an event involving people riding push bikes or skateboards in an erratic fashion colony. electorate office. on footpaths. thousands of athletes and volunteers is phenomenal and the local Existing legislation on flying foxes is too organising committee have again completed the task with Considering the higher than average number of seniors living professionalism and distinction. Well done!! on the Mid North Coast, this type of behaviour is unacceptable. It doesn’t matter if you live in the Camden Ironman Start Haven, Harrington or Port Macquarie, people expect and Waste Reduction And Recycling Funding For Council have the right to walk down the footpath peacefully without the fear of being knocked over by someone on a bike or skateboard. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has received more than $691,000 in funding from the NSW Government to improve waste and recycling programs as part of the Waste The fact is such behaviour is concerning and does frighten Less, Recycle More initiative. people and in some cases it results in an injury. There is a Maintenance Work $67 penalty in place if anyone, other than a child under the Waste Less, Recycle More involves a number of funding programs to transform age of 12 years is caught riding on the footpath. waste and recycling in NSW. It includes funding for business recycling, market Continues At Schools development, managing problem wastes, new waste infrastructure, and programs to I have also received complaints about the speed that some tackle illegal dumping and litter. seniors ride their mobility scooters which should only be at a Over Holidays walking pace. We are fortunte that our local Police includes a Part of the funding will provide kitchen caddies to every home in the Hastings and Bicycle Squad which patrols the CBD when possible and Camden Haven areas to encourage residents to recycle food waste with their regular Two local schools have received significant they do a great job. green-lid bin collection and will also support an upgrade for the Kingfisher Road maintenance works during the recent holiday period at a cost of almost $273,000. Waste Management Centre to improve collection and storage of household problem Everybody, irrespective of their age should feel comfortable The maintenance works were undertaken at wastes. and safe walking on a footpath. This is not an attack on any the Hastings and Kendall Public Schools. particular group but it is a call for everyone to be respectful of Wastes like paints, oils, gas bottles Access facilities at the Hastings Public each other in public spaces, particularly on a crowded and batteries will be able to be footpath. School were improved with the work dropped off for free all year round totalling $101,878 while Kendall Public for safe disposal or recycling. This School sporting facilities received upgrades is a great result for our area and worth $171,099. I have recently had the will benefit the entire community pleasure of visiting Kendall Public School for and our environment by improving their inaugural fête and the Hastings Public our waste and recycling services. School to join their morning Kilometre Club. For more information about the The school holiday period provides the Waste Less, Recycle More opportunity to repair school facilities while initiative, visit: http://www.epa. students and staff are out of the classroom. nsw.gov.au/waste/WasteLess.htm While many of these projects are small, they Kate Jackson from Café Buzz with green waste make an enormous difference to the school environment, students and teachers. Smelling The Roses Offers Benefits To Harrington Lagoon Port Macquarie Dementia Patients Upgrade Minister for Ageing John Ajaka and I recently had the pleasure of officially opening a beautiful landscaped garden for people living with dementia at Hastings Regis Manor in Port Macquarie. Regis Manor is a private specialist high care facility that provides accommodation for 100 patients. The Friendship Wing provides a quiet, calming respite area for people with dementia and the adjacent regenerated garden featuring a variety of flowers, colours and fragrance allows residents to enjoy the Call For Hidden Treasures sensory experience of being outdoors. The garden is designed to promote and enhance the quality of life of residents and ensure they I am seeking nominations of Ashley, Gail, Alana, Peter, Sally, Peter (Beness) from Service NSW are in an environment that makes them feel happy and relaxed. with Leslie Williams. outstanding female volunteers The garden features a raised vegetable plot so residents can enjoy for the 2014 Hidden Treasures the therapeutic benefits of gardening, including weeding, planting and Honour Roll – an opportunity watering. to recognise and say ‘thank Merv King, Martin McGill, Leslie Williams, Bill Nelson you’ to those who help make a The renewed garden is thanks to the generosity of Fiona Irvine, the difference in their local Celebrating Six Months relative of a resident and the talent of local landscape designer Eva communities. I had the honour recently of accepting a $20,000 cheque on Cassegrain. This initiative creates a lasting behalf of the Harrington community from the Harrington Big4 Of Improved Services archive to formally recognise Holiday Park owners, Alan and Merv King as a contribution the women volunteers living towards the replenishment of the Harrington Lagoon. and working in rural, regional For Port Macquarie The money, along with contributions from the Harrington Hotel, and remote NSW. The annual Harrington Bowling Club and the Harrington Chamber of project started in 2010 and is Commerce is on top of a $30,000 Community Building helping to create a lasting Almost 40,000 customers had been served in the six months Partnership grant and $27,000 State Government grant to archive and uncover since the launch of Service NSW in Port Macquarie with project manage the works. inspirational quiet achievers, customers overwhelmingly positive about the new service. 2013 Hidden Treasure Award women who are so often the The upgrade involved the removal of siltation from inside of the recipient Pix Jonasson Since Service NSW opened in Port Macquarie on 22 November backbone of our community sea wall and the creation of a new public reserve as well as last year, customers have embraced the new service and reaped organisations. replenishment of the beach at the rear of the Holiday Park. the benefits of easier access to government agencies, fast Further works to improve the area will see a new grassed verge Regional women play an important role in ensuring the survival of service and a single point of contact. and beach near the Marine Rescue building. many important community groups including charities, emergency At the ‘One Stop Shops’ customers can complete more than services, the arts, environment, social justice, education and 850 transactions all in the one location – making it much easier The works were undertaken by the Farquhar Inlet Management Minister John Ajaka, Gillian Bottomley, Fiona Irving and Leslie Williams at the Dementia sporting organisations - without their valuable contributions some of Group which applied for the Community Building Partnership Garden at Regis Hastings Manor. to renew a driver licence, get an owner builder permit, register a these groups would simply not be able to continue their good work. grant on behalf of the community. boat or apply for a birth certificate. Many volunteers do not seek the limelight and go about their work This is a perfect example of a community that is willing to pull Service NSW has simplified the way people do business with the quietly and diligently, but Hidden Treasure is an opportunity to say together to get the job done and I am sure members of the NSW Government – not only at the new ‘One Stop Shops’ but Argentine Tango For Parkinson’s thank you to outstanding women in our community. public will enjoy the fruits of their labour for many years to come. also with the new 24/7 phone line and online service. Customers Nominations can be completed online or you can download a form from Port Macquarie and surrounding areas can now go online, A recent on-site visit hosted by the Harrington Chamber of Argentine Tango dance classes are being used in the Hastings to and share a few paragraphs about why your nominee is worthy of call or visit Service NSW for a wide range of transactions. Commerce including President Garry Durrant, Harrington Lions try and slow the progress of Parkinson’s disease. Classes are recognition. You can read about the many women from the Club President Bob Downing and Steve Atkins from the Manning being co-ordinated by Sheila and Russell Wilkinson from The centre located at the site of the old motor registry at Central Hastings who were acknowledged on last year’s roll at www.dpi. Valley Business Chamber highlighted a number of areas in the ‘Unforgettable Dancing’ and are being held throughout the year. Road is open from 7am to 7pm during the week and between nsw.gov.au/rwn/activities/hidden-treasures town that need attention including the Harrington foreshore, 8.30am and 3pm on Saturdays. I joined with Deputy Mayor Adam Roberts to present Certificates footpaths adjacent to the river, the Wards Creek crossing and of Achievement to 13 participants who had completed the first For more information contact the Rural Women’s Network on 02 For more information on Service NSW visit: www.service.nsw. links to the Harrington Waters boat ramp. tango course and it was wonderful to see people living with 6391 3433 or email [email protected]. Nominations gov.au or call 13 77 88. close Wednesday 16 July 2014. Addressing each of these projects will benefit the local Parkinson’s disease enjoying themselves with such increased community as well as visitors and I am keen to partner with the confidence. Greater City Council to seek funding opportunities to carry Research into Parkinson’s disease and other related disorders out these works. has shown that Argentine Tango is the dance of choice for The NSW Government has announced that it will remove retail price regulation helping slow the progress of this condition, as well as providing a NSW Electricity Price from the electricity market, to take effect as of 1 July 2014. The change will safe, partnered environment for promoting balance, mobility and benefit consumers on regulated offers in our area who could now save up to $400 joyful social dancing. Regulation Removed a year. I congratulate Sheila and For the first time in 15 years NSW electricity customers with regulated prices will Russell for this initiative see a reduction on their bill, a far cry from the previous Government’s legacy of and for the assistance of soaring electricity price increases of up to 22% per year. the other dancers and encourage anyone with Around 60 per cent of NSW households and small businesses, or almost 2 million Parkinson’s disease or a customers, have already made the switch from a regulated electricity contract to a related disorder to consider competitive market contract, reaping the benefit as a result. joining a class. For further More competition means greater choice for consumers and downward pressure details contact Sheila or on electricity bills. Details of the reforms are available at www.energy.nsw.gov.au, Russell on 6583 8203. you can call 13 77 88 or by contacting my office on 6584 0977. Steve Atkins, Garry Durrant, Bob Downing, Leslie Sheila and Russell demonstrating Williams, Peter Epov at Harrington. the Argentine Tango DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY PROJECT DO YOU NEED FUNDING TO GET THAT MEETS A NEED IN THE PROJECT UP AND RUNNING? OUR LOCAL AREA?

I am pleased to announce funding for the Port Macquarie HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE NSW electorate is now open for the Community Building Partnership GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNITY program for 2014. This program provides funding for local community infrastructure projects for the benefit of local communities. BUILDING PARTNERSHIP Community organisations and our local councils are encouraged to apply for funding to build and improve community facilities in our local area. PROGRAM? Projects that will deliver positive social, recreational or environmental outcomes for our community through the building or improvement of facilities will be considered in the Port Macquarie electorate. What do you need to know? ✓ Applications are now open and close on 18 July 2014. ✓ I am encouraging you to apply for funding and will be involved in the assessment process. ✓ Projects will be assessed against the program’s criteria, and the Premier will consider recommendations for funding based on merit against these criteria.

For more information please contact my office on 6584 0977 or visit www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au for information and to apply. Applications must be submitted online by 18 July 2014, and organisations are encouraged to visit the website to ensure they are eligible to participate, and to check the application requirements.

As part of my regular electorate tours, I will be available for a catch up on Wednesday 16th July at Bonny Hills at the Catch Fat Fish Café at 10am and at the Reserve at 2pm. On Thursday 17th July I will be at Rosie’s Café at Johns River Up With at 10am and the Moorland Cottage at 2pm. If you have an issue to discuss, feel free to just come along, or if you would like to book Leslie a time please call my office on 6584 0977.

Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie

email [email protected] address Macquarie Business Centre, website www.lesliewilliams.com.au Suite 6, 27 Grant Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 WilliamsLeslieG phone 02 6584 0977 fax 02 6584 0978

Authorised by Leslie Williams MP. Printed by Chrysalis Printing, 7 Chestnut Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 using parliamentary entitlements