Defensive Driver Training

Defensive Driver Training

It was indeed a pleasure, as a result of the Young Driver Forum that I organised in Lismore this year, to see students from St Mary's High School in Casino and Kadina High in Goonellabah attending and gaining invaluable skills at the Safe Driver Training in Casino. I hope this will be the first of many training days to equip our young drivers with important safety skills and techniques, ensuring their care and protection whilst enjoying the privilege of driving and independence.

Lismore Police Station

I was heartened by the recent visit of a planning team from the Department of Commerce, who met recently with representatives of the Richmond Local Area Command. My approaches to Minister Watkins highlighting the need for a new Lismore Police Station, have received further acknowledgement through this deputation and inspection of local facilities. I am hopeful the business plan being presented to the Minister at the end of the year will further strengthen the case and my call for a new police station in Lismore.

2LM Children's Charity Christmas Appeal Walk

The support and sponsorship for this day was tremendous with the team of walkers raising $12,500 for needy Northern Rivers children. I decided to gather a group of friends to walk from 2LM in Goonellabah to Lismore Airport in order to support the beneficiaries of the appeal and especially four organisations in my electorate; including Jumbunna and Summerland Early Intervention, Wilson Park School and Caspa (the North Coast Children's Home). The community spirit was inspiring and wonderful, as was the generosity of the many sponsors.

Electorate Functions

Casino Relay for Life - relaying a message of hope. I attended the opening ceremony and was honoured to acknowledge survivors, carers and families. The success of this event is reflected in the fundraising efforts of many local participants.

SCU vs Townies - as part of the (blue flag logo), I participated in the SCU vs Townies cricket challenge which reinforced the University working with the community of which was just won by the SCU team.

Our Kids Melbourne Cup Luncheon - I joined with many supporters of the Our Kids project to attend this fundraising function. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all with organisers relaxing after the fashion parade to join with the rest of the Nation to stop and witness the great race.

Flag Presentations - I have had the pleasure of joining with Blue Hills College and Bonalbo Schools recently in joining with the school communities and presenting them with a new State flag.

Launch History of SCU - it was my pleasure to launch the Southern Cross University's History project last weekend and address the important role of the University within the North Coast community. Data derived in 1994 demonstrated that in the Lismore area alone, the university's presence generated more than 1,900 full-time equivalent jobs and flow-on impacts of an additional 1,380 jobs from expenditures of staff and students. The University plays a vital role in the economy of the North Coast, contributing vastly in educational diversity and essential research, which supports the various industries of our region.

Clunes School - I visited the students last week to enjoy listening and adjudicating at the School's speaking competition. Congratulations to the participants.

Wilson Park School Technology Conference - This Conference which demonstrated the use of technology and programs to assist and support lifelong learning of people with disabilities was indeed impressive. I enjoyed being present and this Conference was beneficial in the utilisation of technology for literacy, communication, numeracy and speech.

SCU 10 Birthday Reception and Gala Concert -, I am looking forward to attending this celebration with the University community and special guest, the Governor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir this weekend.