with Hugh McDermott MP

The summer holidays allow us a wonderful time together with family and our loved ones . Now that we ’ ve celebrated Christmas and enjoyed the New Year ’ s Eve fireworks , 2025 has officially begun . I wish you and your family all the very best for the year ahead .

The summer holidays are also a great time for family activities , and there ’ s plenty of local attractions and destinations to enjoy in our Prospect Electorate and across Western Sydney . Raging Waters is Sydney ’ s largest water park , with over 40 slides and attractions , including Australia ’ s largest kid-friendly water area .

Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek is home to more than 4,000 animals , is the only combined zoo and aquarium in NSW and boasts the largest reptile and nocturnal house in the world . And , for a truly unique cinema experience , Skyline Drive In , Blacktown , has screenings of all the latest blockbuster films , every night throughout

the summer . There ’ s truly something for every member of the family to enjoy !

Families across our community are also doing it tough , and many of us are already back at work , providing for our families to make ends meet . That ’ s why throughout 2024 , the Minns Labor Government introduced major Cost of Living relief , including ;

• $ 189 million invested in GP clinics to safeguard bulk billing across the State , providing a payroll tax waiver for GPs that bulk bill

• $ 561 million invested over 2 years to continue our $ 60 weekly Toll Cap , with more than $ 1 million claimed in the suburb of Blacktown and over $ 439,000 toll relief in Seven Hills alone

• $ 435 million to provide rebates on energy bills for 2024-25 , with $ 250 for families and seniors , and $ 350 for low-income households and those with medical conditions

• A 10.5 per cent pay rise over 3 years in our Budget for essential workers in the State , on top of the 4.5 per cent pay rise in the previous year , and abolishing the former government ’ s wages cap

• More than 40,000 new first home buyers having their stamp duty waived or reduced when purchasing homes up to $ 1 million , the most generous first home buyer support scheme of any State or Territory in the country .

Across Western Sydney , there is much we can learn from one another in our culturally and linguistically diverse community . Our rich migrant heritage is a unique part of our Australian identity which has helped shape our strong nation today . We are so fortunate to live in a vibrant , multicultural nation that welcomes families from every corner of the world . Throughout January and heading to Australia Day , we reflect , respect and celebrate our incredible nation and people .

It is a time to recognise the resilience of all Australians , from our First Nations people to European pioneers and our newest citizens from throughout the world that call Western Sydney home . It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to each other , to ensure that Australia remains an amazing place to live . It is also important to acknowledge that 26th January is not a day of

celebration for everyone . We must remember the historical trauma endured by our First Nations people who have lived here for many thousands of years .

From our local community and as a nation , we must do more to support our Indigenous Australians and help close the gap to allow equal opportunities for all .

Parliament is adjourned until February , but my office is open and I continue to work every day for our local community on issues that matter . I thank you , my neighbours , my fellow community members and local families for continuing to place your trust in me as your State Member of Parliament .

I look forward to continuing our work with you throughout 2025 to achieve more wins for Western Sydney .