Spring is almost here

23 August 2019

Parliament is now in its Winter Recess but with Spring just around the corner, things have certainly been busy around Warringah. There are a number of grant opportunities I want to share with you and some important Parliamentary enquiries at both a state and federal level that you may wish to contribute to. As always, please let me know your feedback.

OUT AND ABOUT

It’s been a busy three weeks since the First Newsletter. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a range of events that celebrate and recognise some terrific community organisations in Warringah. Many of these organisations provide essential services to our residents and visitors.

It was another great season for the Sydney Northern Beaches branch of Surf Life Saving. At the AGM on 6 August I was honoured to accept the role of Joint Patron of the branch. In doing so, I acknowledge the long term contribution of my predecessor Tony Abbott for the countless hours he gave to the surf life saving movement. I’m acutely aware of the amazing work our 21 clubs do and I look forward to working with them to best serve our community.

It was a humbling experience attending the Northern Beaches Police Area Command Awards Ceremony at Dee Why RSL on 8 August and I thank all those who spend their days keeping us safe. It is important to recognise the bravery and achievements of our local police force and members of the community who have displayed extraordinary acts of courage. It was nice to see Superintendent Dave Darcy on the other end of a handshake as his long service to our community was also acknowledged. I spoke to him afterwards to commend him for his work in the mental health area and in particular for his comments regarding the need to support the officers that tread that thin blue line.

The 2040 Movie screening at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace on 7 August was a huge success with over $10,000 raised towards helping Mosman Public School P&C go solar with the Solar My School project.

A big welcome to our newest Australian citizens. It’s been an honour to take part in a number of Citizenship Ceremonies over recent weeks. The stories of our newest citizens are as varied as their backgrounds but it’s very humbling to be in a room where they are all choosing to become Australians.

It was great to sit down with North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson on 7 August to see how we can work together to support and meet the needs of our community. We talked about focusing on measures to reduce traffic congestion, including the Beaches Link Tunnel and community opinion on this as well as environmental sustainability; council’s pilot program on EV chargers; and looking to successful international examples of waste reduction and recycling. I am committed to meeting regularly with all three councils in the area – North Sydney, Mosman and Northern Beaches.

It was a fascinating morning at Manly Library on 9 August with the handover of an Oral History project documenting the stories and experiences of staff from the old Manly Hospital. Many of us locals – myself included – have a strong attachment to that old hospital and it’s important to have the history documented. Well done to Pam Rawling, former midwife at Manly Hospital, who initiated the project, her colleagues and Council staff who were all involved.

A bit of fun on Monday 12 August when I sat down with Julian Morrow of The Chaser fame and flicked through some old photo albums. The Giant Dwarf Theatre is a great little venue in Redfern and the night was an important reminder to dream big and work hard.

And what a great day for the community with the announcement that our much cherished Manly Oval has been listed on the State Heritage Register. I commend the local groups that fought so hard to make this happen and I thank the local State Member for Manly James Griffin for his support of the application. A terrific outcome with this community asset now protected for the ages.

This is my Canberra Diary showing a busy 2 weeks in Canberra at the end of July. It covers votes and questions on a range of issues, my first speech to Parliament and the highlight - some impressive mock House of Reps debates by the kids from Manly West, Mosman Prep, Seaforth Public, and St Johns in Harbord during their school visits.

GRANTS AVAILABLE IN WARRINGAH

There are a range of Federal Grants that can help us build a better Warringah. We have set up a grants page on the website that will have updated grant details, links and information about how to apply.

Some of the grants currently available are:

Stronger Community Grants

Expressions of interest close on 5 September Do you have a small capital project or community-building project that needs funding? The grant amount will be up to 50% of eligible project costs with a minimum grant of $2,500 and a maximum grant of $20,000. More Information

Communities Environment Program

Expressions of Interest close on 19 September. The program provides $150,000 to every electorate, offering groups and organisations the opportunity to source grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 for projects that aim to conserve, protect and manage Warringah’s pristine nature. More Information

Local Schools Community Fund

Applications close on 30 September. The Australian Government is providing up to $200,000 for each federal electorate for the Fund in 2019-2020, benefiting students and assisting schools to meet their priorities through the contribution of funding for small scale projects and their associated costs. The Fund is open to all schools—government, Catholic and independent. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, click here.

REGISTER YOUR THOUGHTS

The House of Representatives is currently in recess until Monday 9 September, however the work of the Parliamentary Committees still continues.

NUCLEAR ENERGY INQUIRY

I am a member of The Environment and Energy Committee. As you may be aware, Minister Taylor has asked us to hold an inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia. The Committee is accepting written submissions, addressing one or more of the terms of reference. Submissions close on Monday 16 September 2019. For information on how to make a submission, click here.

INQUIRY INTO THE CONDUCT OF THE 2019 FEDERAL ELECTION

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is currently holding an inquiry into “all aspects of the conduct of the 2019 Federal election and matters related thereto.” The issues of pre-poll voting, political advertising standards, disinformation and third-party actors are expected to be examined by the Committee. If you were in any way concerned about the conduct of this year’s election, I encourage you to make a submission to the committee. Submissions close on Friday 20 September. For information on how to make a submission, click here.

INQUIRY INTO THE CONDUCT OF QUESTION TIME

At the end of the last Sitting Fortnight, the Standing Committee on Procedure was asked to enquire into the practices and procedures relating to Question Time. As we all know, Question Time is one of the most closely observed sessions of Parliament, but many people feel that in its current format, it is also one of the most unproductive. Members of the public can make submissions to the inquiry, and a public survey will open later in the year to collect further feedback. The committee is particularly interested in suggestions about the format of Question Time and also how to make it easier for Australians to engage with Question Time. For more information about the inquiry, click here.

Other opportunities to have your say:

Issue / Event	Deadline
Public comment on Infrastructure Australia Report - Link	31 August for projects requiring funding
NSW State Parliament inquiry into the Sustainability of energy supply and resources in NSW - Link	15 September

WHAT’S ON – COMMUNITY EVENTS

There are a range of events in and around our electorate. If you have a community event that you want us to include in our newsletter and on the website, please send through the details to [email protected].

HarbourCare Teen Clean Up

A youth focused clean up event is running this Saturday 25 August between 8-10 at Spit West Reserve, Mosman. More Information

“My First Speech” competition is now on!

Open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12, the competition provides an opportunity to write and deliver a three minute speech to the Speaker of the House. I can’t wait to see what our local students of Warringah come up with and the important issues to them! Entries close 30 August. More Information

Thursday 29 August - Free Trade Day

Nominations are now open for Free Trade Day, an initiative that provides free trade services for those in need on Thursday 29 August. To nominate someone who needs a helping hand visit www.freetradeday.com.au. A huge thank you to all the local tradies who are donating their time and materials.

Sunday 1 September - Manly Rotary Fun Run & Walk

Enjoy a 2km, 5km or 10km run or walk for this worthy cause on 1 September. This event is not only a healthy way to celebrate Father’s Day but also provides much needed fundraising support for local charities! There is a “Team Zali” ready to run – and it’s not too late to register

6-29 September: Manly Arts Festival

Image detail courtesy Kenneth Chu

Come and celebrate the 26th year of the community-based Manly Arts Festival. Featuring a range of visual, musical, literary and performing arts hosted in a number of venues including artist studios, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, the Creative Space and Glen Street Theatre. More Information

Sunday 8 September: Run Forest Run - Forestville Fun Run & Fair

Forestville Public School’s “Run Forest Run” Fun Run and Fair is coming up on 8 September. It features food stalls, exhibitions of local craft, jumping castles, best dressed competitions, new running courses through the bush and more with 2km, 4km & 10km courses available. More Information

MARKETS

There are plenty of markets in and just outside of Warringah that exhibit arts and craft, fresh produce, gourmet food and even musical entertainment.