Like the rest of the country, we are seeing the rapid growth of vaping, unregulated tobacconists, and illegal tobacco across our area.
Vapes pose a real threat to the health and safety of our community, especially for young people. We are seeing more and more that vaping among young people is having serious health consequences. This issue is made all the more serious because of the involvement of organised crime gangs, fuelled by the growth of unregulated tobacconists. This needs to change.
I am proud to be part of a Liberal team which pushed for an inquiry into illegal tobacco in NSW. We need to look into the links between unregulated tobacconists and organised crime, and ensure NSW tobacco laws are being enforced.
Helping students learn about our democracy
I recently visited Pacific Hills High School to speak with Year 6 about how NSW Parliament works and what a State MP does. The students had been learning about Australia’s government and democracy has worked since before Federation to today, and how Australians have expressed their opinions and beliefs in free and democratic elections.
I was impressed by the excellent questions that the students asked me and their interest in Australia’s democracy. It is so important for young Australians to learn about Australia’s democratic values and processes.
That’s why I’ve invited every primary school in the electorate to bring their Year 6 students to visit State Parliament, to take part in the world-class educational programs which are run by the NSW Parliament.
Helping Hearts Survive
Earlier this month, I visited the Helping Hearts Survive Op-Shop on the Cnr of Galston Road and Old Northern Road with Mayor Warren Waddell.
Helping Hearts Survive was started in 2024, with the goal of creating a local community where no one goes hungry, fostering dignity and hope by providing nutritious food hampers to those in need, and promoting sustainable solutions to food struggles.
The team provide food hampers filled with fresh food for families in need, for a small donation. This is made possible by proceeds from the Op-Shop as well as support from Galston ALDI, Harris Farm, Dural Kiosk and Cordina Chicken.
I encourage you to visit Helping Hearts Survive to shop and donate clothes, toys, football boots and kitchenware. Thank you Diana, Mel and the team on your commitment to serving and uniting our community.
