Police Minister Visits

Police Minister Visits

I was pleased to accompany The Hon John Watkins, Minister for Police, during his visit to Lismore on Wednesday 23 July. Mr Watkins main activity for the day was to officially unveil and dedicate the Lismore Police Memorial. This monument is a wonderful achievement by the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise and now creates a focal point for remembering those police officers killed in the line of duty. Following the ceremony and lunch Minister Watkins visited Nimbin. The Minister also indicated that a decision would be made by the end of this year as to future of a new Police Station at Lismore.

Pensioner Rail Travel

Some pensioners may not be aware that even though Countrylink no longer distribute travel vouchers each year with their concession cards, they are still entitled to four free single trips per year. There are also the Country Pensioner Excursion ticket which enables pensioners & seniors card holders to travel anywhere from Tweed Heads to Gloucester for $2.20. For further information contact Countrylink on 13 28 29 or to make reservations ring 13 22 32.

Pensioner Energy Rebate Scheme

From 1 July there were changes in the way in which the Pensioner Energy Rebate Scheme was administered to long term caravan park residents. The rebate will now be paid directly to the customer as a credit on their electricity account.

Regional Airlines Should be Given a Fair Share

The NSW National Party has called on the Carr Government to allocate at least ten percent of State Government air travel to regional airlines. The call comes following the Federal Coalition Government's decision to work towards ensuring ten percent of its Canberra-Sydney government travel takes place with the smaller airlines. The continued viability of regional airlines is vitally important to rural and regional NSW and is in the best interests of the industry as a whole. If the Labor Government is committed to the future of regional airlines, it must immediately implement a policy to ensure that at least 10 per cent of State Government air travel is with regional airlines.

Alcohol Summit

The NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse 2003 will be held at Parliament House from 26-29 August. I am calling on the community to provide me with relevant issues and concerns for me to take to the Summit. The Summit will be divided into ten working groups and, subject to the feedback from local residents, I will focus on the Family Health and Wellbeing and Responsible Supply and Consumption working groups. Concerned residents can write or ring my office. More information on the Summit is available at www.alcoholsummit.nsw.gov.au. On 25 August the NSW Commission for Children & Young People will host a Young People Alcohol Forum where young people will be able to participate. The Forum will allow children and young people from across NSW to talk about alcohol-related issues and how they can be addressed. Views from young people will be sought about alcohol issues relating to them, their families and their communities. Some of the Forum participants will be selected as delegates to attend the Alcohol Summit, so they may represent young people. For further information about how young people can get involved in the Forum, nomination forms are available from www.kids.nsw.gov.au.

Capital Assistance Program

Just a last minute reminder that application for the Department of Sport & Recreation's Capital Assistance Program closes on Friday 15 August. Applications and guidelines are available from my office or the Department's website www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Retravision Regional Achievers Awards & The Department of Lands Community of the Year Award

The program is about recognising our local workers who are making a valuable contribution. These are the unsung heroes who do not go about looking for prizes and awards but go about their work throughout our region with passion and commitment achieving for their families and our community. Applications forms are available from my office or the website www.awardsaustralia.com. Entries close 15 August.

Thanks Dad 2003 National Photo Competition

This competition gives the opportunity to thank all men for positive times with their children. Thousands of Australian will also see your photo in shopping centres, schools and community venues in the People's Choice Exhibitions. Competition and Exhibition details are available on the website www.thanksdad.org.au.

Casino Interviews

I will be conducting interviews in Casino on Friday 15 August. Please contact my office for an appointment time.