Hills District Independent HILLS 105 March 2024 | Page 16

POLITICS

My team and I are here to help

with Julian Leeser MP
People often ask me what my favourite part of this job is . Without trying to sound like a cliché , it is undoubtedly the opportunity to help our community .
While part of that role is representing you in Canberra , another important part is helping members of our community to access and navigate Federal Government services .
I am hearing more and more about people suffering because the wheels of bureaucracy are turning far too slowly . When that happens , we are here to help . One of the main areas where we
assist is with Centrelink , Medicare and the NDIS . For instance , Jess from Mount Colah applied for paid parental leave but , three months later , it still had not been approved . My office raised the issue with Centrelink and , four days later , she started getting those much-needed payments .
I ’ ve long advocated for better telecommunications for our electorate . If you have telecommunications problems , we may be able to help . Recently , Lee from Cherrybrook contacted our office about issues with his phone and internet connection which had continued ever since he moved into his home 6 months before . My office raised the problem
with Telstra , who fixed the problem within a week .
Additionally , while we can ’ t influence the migration process , we can draw the Department ’ s attention to applications and seek updates on your behalf . For example , last year , Taylor from Thornleigh ’ s niece applied for a visa to come to Australia for her wedding . When it still was not approved three months later , despite her family ’ s visas being granted , our office escalated it with the Department . A few days later it was approved – making for a much happier wedding !
If I can help you in any way , please don ’ t hesitate to contact me on 9980 1822 , or by emailing Julian . Leeser . MP @ aph . gov . au .

Mark Hodges MP

MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL

AS YOUR STATE MP , I AM HERE TO :

• Help you with any State Government matters .
• Provide Justice of the Peace services .
• Assist in accessing NSW Government services , assistance or grants .
• Arrange congratulatory messages .
02 9686 3110 castlehill @ parliament . nsw . gov . au Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP , Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154 . Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements .

Australia ’ s youngest female author : 17 Stories by Ashleen Khela

with Mark Hodges MP
Ashleen Khela is an inspiring eleven-year-old from the Castle Hill Electorate who graduated from Kenthurst Public School in December of 2023 . Ashleen has an incredible story as she has recently become the youngest female published author in Australia .
She discovered a love of writing at the age of 8 and continued to develop this hobby over the COVID lockdowns . Ashleen and her family often travel to India , and it was during one of these trips before the lockdowns that Ashleen met underprivileged children who were living in rural Punjab that inspired Ashleen and gave her a desire to help underprivileged children .
Over the lockdowns , Ashleen used the time to develop her stories , first drawing on inspiration from the underprivileged children in Punjab , then using her creativity and imagination to create the tales that make up 17 Stories .
The book is an inspiring and imaginative collection of stories which takes the reader to a land of fantasy and adventure . India ’ s Punjab Education Minster , Harjot Singh Bains described 17 Stories as entertaining and inspirational for many readers worldwide .
Not only did Ashleen author and illustrate the book but she also worked hard collecting drink cans , plastic , and glass bottles which she took to recycling stations to fund the publication costs . All proceeds from her book will be donated to the Cancer Council of Australia and Starlight Kids Foundation as well as contributing funds towards underprivileged children of India and other developing nations . Ashleen ’ s selfless dedication to helping children less fortunate is truly inspiring . Congratulations to Ashleen for her hard work and dedication to writing 17 Stories , and well done and thank you for her selfless contribution to society and to underprivileged children .
16 ISSUE 105 // MARCH 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT