Stay connected with my latest updates and media releases as your State Member for Drummoyne.
I was honoured to give my first speech in the NSW Parliament as the new Member for Drummoyne recently.
"I am the granddaughter of Italian migrants, the first in my immediate family to go to university, the youngest-ever Liberal woman to enter this Parliament. Let my election be a message to young people, to women, and to people with last names that are hard for others to spell and pronounce: You belong in this place."
To watch my inaugural speech on Youtube click here or to read the transcript, please click here.
I am pleased to provide an update about the Concord High School Upgrade which will deliver new classrooms and facilities for the school.
Works are progressing and the project is currently at Development Application (DA) stage. To view the DA, you can visit the Council website and search DA2023/0135 or click here.
For more information on the project, click here.
The car park at Concord Hospital will be upgraded and expanded. Construction has begun on a five-level multi-storey car park, increasing parking capacity at the hospital to over 2,300 spaces.
This continues investment in Concord Hospital, following the $341 million redevelopment which was completed last year.
Last week, I met with the Hon Jo Haylen MP, Minister for Transport to discuss local transport issues.
I raised important matters including:
• Reinstating popular bus routes, such as the 439.
• Improving ferry services on weekdays, weekends and special events.
• Train capacity and timetables at local stations.
• Allowing the Bridj bus to be booked over the phone for those unable to use the app.
• Building the Sydney Metro West.
• Seeking an update on the proposed new Rhodes Ferry Wharf.
I thank the Minister for making the time to listen and I look forward to working constructively with her for the best outcomes for our community.
If you have a transport matter that you would like me to raise with the Minister, please contact me by email to drummoyne@parliament.nsw.gov.au
The upgrades to McIlwaine Park in Rhodes are now complete, with an official opening held last weekend. The upgrade to the park includes a new beach area, discovery rockpools, natural seawall, picnic shelters, barbecues and lighting, making this a wonderful spot for a family-friendly day out.
This $8.7 million upgrade was funded by the NSW Government in partnership with the City of Canada Bay Council.
I recently met with the Transport Minister to raise transport issues in our community, including ferry timetables.
The NSW 2023-24 Budget commits $200,000 for the review of ferry timetable services to and from our area. This includes investigating opportunities for uplifting services over the upcoming busy summer period.
I encourage you to report any instances of ferries missing wharf stops due to capacity issues to Transport for NSW by calling 131 500 or by using this link: https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/ferry-feedback. This is important so that we can work together to make a compelling case to the Government to lobby for an uplift to local ferry services, supported by real-life data.
When the new Labor Government came to power earlier this year, they came with a wrecking ball for projects they wanted to walk away from. One of those was the Sydney Metro West.
What Premier Chris Minns & Transport Minister Jo Haylen didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming community support for the project.
We need convenient transport options connecting our area to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
We fought their decision, we assembled a petition and this week the Government announced that the Sydney Metro West will continue.
That means that the planned three stops in our community at North Strathfield, Burwood North (Concord Oval) and Five Dock will go ahead.
The Government also announced that there will be an additional two-year delay in construction, with the project now due to open in 2032, rather than 2030. This is ultimately disappointing as residents and businesses will be further impacted by construction. I will be working hard to ensure this project is delivered on time.
I won’t stop fighting for our area to get its fair share.”
Last week, I hosted a Christmas Morning Tea for local volunteers and community organisations at Club Five Dock RSL.
Wendy Schmid and Rita Maniaci Tornari were both recognised with a Community Service Award for their longstanding contribution to our community.
Wendy is a past President of the Rotary Club of Breakfast Point, and a longtime volunteer at the Embroiderer's Guild at Concord West. She has helped to fundraise for many local causes. Earlier this year as Rotary President, she organised the Breakfast Point Art Show which raised funds for the Foundation for A Bloody Great Cause, supporting blood cancer clinical research trials at Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Hospital.
Rita is a lifelong volunteer, dedicating her life to the service of others. She is on the executive of the Isole Eolie Association, which last month raised funds for Dementia Australia. She is also involved with the Gruppo Dell’Amicizia (Friendship Group) in memory of Enrica Inglese which provides scholarships to students wanting to learn the Italian language and culture as well as research grants.
I would like to sincerely congratulate Wendy and Rita, two very deserving recipients
