with Mark Hodges MP

It ’ s that time of year again when we get to celebrate the incredible women who make our community extraordinary ! The Local Woman of the Year Awards are back , and I am thrilled to announce that nominations for 2025 Castle Hill Woman of the Year are now officially open !

This annual celebration is all about recognising and honouring the amazing women who are making a real difference here in our electorate . Whether they are leading life-changing community projects , inspiring others with their unwavering dedication , or making a significant impact in any other way , we want to hear their stories .

Now is your chance to give these remarkable women the recognition

they truly deserve . Think about the extraordinary women you know - the ones who have been a force for good in our community . Nominate them today , and let ’ s celebrate their achievements together !

The winner of the Castle Hill Local Woman of the Year will be acknowledged with a framed certificate signed by the Premier , Minister for Women , and myself , as your local State Member . She will also receive a special invitation to attend the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony during Women ’ s week . Additionally , she will be acknowledged in the Honour Roll and may be considered for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll ( if eligible ).

How to nominate It ’ s easy ! Just scan the QR code to submit your nomination through our official

nomination form . Share their story , highlight their contributions , and let ’ s make sure their hard work and passion don ’ t go unnoticed .

Let ’ s come together to celebrate the extraordinary women who make Castle Hill such an amazing place to live . Get your nominations in today , let ’ s make this year ’ s awards truly unforgettable !

Melissa Monteiro and Mark Hodges .

with Julian Leeser MP

Our electorate is changing . As you may be aware , the Australian Electoral Commission has finalised the new boundaries for Berowra which means I ’ ll now be representing Waitara , as well of all of Normanhurst , Asquith and Hornsby , and also Epping and North Epping – areas once represented by former Prime Minister John Howard .

Sadly it means that I ’ ll be losing the Hills Council part of West Pennant Hills and Carlingford , which I ’ ve particularly enjoyed representing . I see the boundary changes as an opportunity to represent

an even more diverse and interesting electorate . I ’ m looking forward to getting out to even more community events and meeting old and new locals , so please say hi if you see me around .

Many people in our community will know the wonderful local veteran , Ray Davis , as the principal organiser of local Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations .

Sadly , Ray recently passed away after a life of service to our country and community both at war and in peace . I recently had the great privilege of speaking about him in the Parliament to recognise his remarkable contribution .

I ’ ve been talking a lot about the concerns of Berowra locals in the Parliament . One issue that I ’ ve been speaking about is the cost of living .

I know that increased fuel , electricity , gas and grocery prices and the rise in mortgage repayments and rents is making life tough for people in our community .

As your voice to our Parliament , I am determined that the Parliament hears the concerns of our community .

Did you know a local business grows most of the lettuce sold in New South Wales and Victoria ? That is what Bonello Farms in Kenthurst does and I had

the chance to visit and check out the operations recently .

We have lots of agricultural businesses in our area which supply food for our nation . I am keen to ensure that our community always maintains its mix of suburban , rural , and river communities .

Finally , after a long wait , the new portraits of his Majesty the King have finally arrived .

I ’ ve been presenting them to local community organisations recently . If you would like a portrait of the King , please contact my office .

As always , if I can assist you in any way then please get in touch .