HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 109 JULY 2024 | Page 20

POLITICS

Rouse Hill Hospital – another half decade to wait

with Ray Williams MP
The 2024 / 25 NSW Budget has just been handed down , confirming once again the completion date for the Rouse Hill Hospital is June 2029 . At a time when our hospitals are under increasing pressure and the Minns Labor Government has received record revenue from stamp duty for the sale of new homes , the health of our community is jeopardised by an out of touch Premier more intent on finding another $ 6.4 billion dollars to increase wages for his union mates . The health needs of our community have been significantly jeopardised by the
Minns Labor Government , who stopped the construction process of the Rouse Hill Hospital , which had already commenced prior to the last state election .
$ 300,000 boost to the local community
The annual NSW Community Building Partnership Grants has been an extremely important resource opportunity for our local community , and communities across our great state . It ’ s a program where the NSW Government assists the community with infrastructure projects that deliver positive social , environmental , and recreational outcomes , while also promoting community participation , inclusion and cohesion .
This year , the new Labor Government cut each electorates funding by 25 per cent , and implemented new processes which impacted the
Ray Williams pictured with members of Rouse Hill Rams Little Athletics .
ability for a larger spread of these funds across the community . So , less funds and less recipients .
Regardless , I am thrilled that the following organisations will be able to complete some incredible projects that
will enhance the Kellyville electorate and have positive outcomes for our community :
• Crestwood High School P & C Assoc .
• East Coast Eagles AFL Football Club Inc .
• Hills Football Inc .
• Kellyville Public School P & C Assoc .
• KU Children ’ s Services
• Rouse Hill Junior Rugby League Inc .
• Rouse Hill Rams Little Athletics Centre Inc .
• Our Lady of the Rosary Primary Kellyville
• Parramatta District Junior Rugby League Club Inc .

King ’ s Birthday honours

with Alex Hawke MP
Congratulations to the residents in the Hills district who received awards as part of the King ’ s Birthday 2024 Honours List .
- Ms Anne Stanfield AM for significant service to community social welfare organisations .
- Mrs Kerrye Katz OAM for service to judo , as a coach and athlete .
- Ms Carolyn Kitto OAM for service to the community through social justice initiatives .
- Sister Janet Woods OAM for service to secondary education , and to the Catholic Church in Australia .
- Dr Francis Doughty OAM for service to veterinary science , and to the community including the Castle Hill and Hills District Agricultural Society Inc .
- Mrs Suzanne Talbert AFSM for exemplary and distinguished service to the NSW Rural Fire Service .
These awards are well deserved , a wonderful recognition and thank you for incredible service to our community .
Anyone can nominate someone to be recognised for an Order of Australia . I encourage you to nominate an outstanding , inspirational volunteer for recognition in the General Division of the Order of Australia . For further information visit www . alexhawke . au .
Official opening and blessing of new buildings at St Gabriels School
It was wonderful to join the Bishop of Diocese of Parramatta , Most Rev . Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL and School Principal , David Cook at the unveiling of the plaque , Official Opening and Blessing of St Gabriel ’ s School Castle Hill new buildings and school tour .
It has been an incredible journey to get here , however , this school I believe , has the best facilities K-12 for students with special needs anywhere in Australia .
St Gabriel ’ s does fantastic work nurturing independence and transforming lives . They cater to a range of students with varying disabilities with an incredible focus on empowering students to achieve their goals . These new world class facilities will help St Gabriel ’ s to ensure the success of every single student . I look forward to seeing their first cohort of Year 12 students graduate later this year . Visit www . stgabriels . nsw . edu . au / for further details .
St Gabriels School , opening of new buildings . L-R : Principal , David Cook , Bishop of Parramatta – The Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen and the Hon Alex Hawke MP . Photo credit : St Gabriel ’ s School .
20 ISSUE 109 // JULY 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT