COLUMN: May Federal Budget
Published in Star Mail News (18.04.2023)
Killara Road and Maroondah Highway upgrades, Coldstream
Lives are at risk at Killara Road. Having grown up in Yarra Glen, I’ve seen my fair share of near misses at the intersection of Killara Road and Maroondah Highway in Coldstream. The Andrews Labor Government have had the $20 million to upgrade Killara Road for four years now. It was handed to them by…
Labor ignores Yarra Ranges telecommunications calls
Communities across the Yarra Ranges have been neglected by Labor in its recent round of the Mobile Blackspot program, with Labor prioritising funding in their own seats. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has chosen Labor electorates for 40 of the 54 available grants under the Improving Mobile Coverage Round of the Mobile Black Spots Program. Federal…
Now Open: Stronger Communities Programme
I am pleased to let you know that Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Programme is now open. The Stronger Communities Program provides $150,000 to each federal electorate for eligible small capital projects that encourage and support participation in local projects and improve our local community. Grants of up to $20,000 are available. A maximum…
Shadow Minister inspects unsealed roads in Casey
It was a pleasure to welcome Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Senator Bridget McKenzie to Casey on Monday 30 January to inspect our unsealed road network. We visited Mount Evelyn and met with numerous residents who are impacted by the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to rip over $102m from our local road sealing program, Roads for…
Labor rips mental health support from Casey
The Albanese Labor Government has ripped away vital mental health support for vulnerable Australians by cutting the additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions introduced by the Coalition. The Labor government voted for the cuts in the Senate on 15 December despite amendments from the Coalition seeking to maintain the status quo. As part of our response…
2022 Casey Volunteer and Community Award recipients announced
It was fantastic to host my inaugural Casey Volunteer and Community Awards morning tea at Chirnside Park Country Club recently. There were over 41 individual recipients and four community groups who received awards this year, recognising their time and dedication to our communities across Casey. Volunteers are the heart of Casey. They give so much…
Tis’ the season for giving
There are many organisations in Casey that do incredible work to help those in need. This Christmas, I want to give back. It’s the little things that can help bring a smile to locals who may be struggling. I’ve set up a giving tree at my office (Suite 11, 1 East Ridge Drive, Chirnside Park).…
Lilydale Youth Hub
Lilydale Youth Hub is an incredible mental health service for young people in the Yarra Ranges. The Hub was established in 2020 using a $4.1 million grant, over three years, from the previous Coalition government. During my election campaign, I visited the youth hub and saw firsthand the incredible work they are doing with local…
Wellington Road
Labor have scrapped vital upgrades to Wellington Road in their 2022-23 Budget. The previous Coalition government committed $110 million to upgrade and duplicate Wellington Road, recognising the thoroughfare as one of the busiest roads connecting the Hills communities to Melbourne. Wellington Road is an escape route in times of bushfire and emergency for residents in…