with Julian Leeser MP Federal Member for Berowra

Parents in our community are already worried about how much time kids spend on their phones. With the social media ban for under-16s coming into force, many teens and young children will be going through a period of adjustment, and many families will be looking for something to fill the gap.

Why not pick up a book?

This ban is an opportunity for a reset. With less time spent doom-scrolling, why not take the opportunity to rekindle the love of reading?

Most of us can remember the books that hooked us growing up, and there amazing new stories coming out all the time. Whether it is books like Tomorrow, When the War Began, by John Marsden, or more recently the phenomenal Bad Guys series by the brilliant Australian author Aaron Blabey, there are books

everywhere that effortlessly compete with screens – if we just put them into our kids’ hands.

We even have young up and coming authors in our own community. Roy Mahajan, wrote his first book No Worries, Jason will be there!, at age 10, and Viaan Virmani at Cherrybrook Public, has written a book 5 Short Stories for young readers. I’ m an optimist at heart – I’ d like to think of this ban as a chance for a revival of reading at home, at school and in our

local libraries. So this summer, let’ s encourage the kids to swap the phone for a novel. Spend some time reading together. Ask teachers and librarians for recommendations. Swap books with other families.

If we get this right, the headline in a few years’ time won’ t just be about Australia’ s“ social media ban”.

It will also be about the time a generation of Australian children rediscovered the joy of reading.

with Ray Williams MP Member for Kellyville

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A New Year brings fresh optimism and the chance to start anew. While 2025 was challenging for many, it’ s time to look forward with hope.

The Hills is strengthened by its strong community spirit— our commitment to supporting one another is what makes this such a great place to live.

Wishing all of Kellyville a happy, safe

and healthy 2026. INTRODUCING OPPOSITION LEADER

– KELLIE SLOANE MP

I’ m pleased to start the New Year alongside our new Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane MP. She has always lived by the principle of putting“ family and community before self”— a value I share.

Kellie is a devoted wife and mother and previously served as CEO of Life Education Australia, the organisation famous for Healthy Harold and trusted by

schools and families for over 45 years. She brings to public life a strong commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability, backed by a belief in the power of good government.

I’ m confident in Kellie’ s leadership because she truly listens— and leaders who listen are the ones who can deliver real, lasting change. ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE Being your Liberal MP under a Labor Government isn’ t without its challenges— credit is often misplaced, and blame

is easily shifted. But I remain focused on calling out misinformation, broken promises, and dishonesty wherever it appears.

My dedication to the people of Kellyville and The Hills Shire is unwavering. This is my home too, and I’ ll continue working to protect our community’ s values and lifestyle while pushing for the infrastructure our growing area needs.

If you have concerns or need assistance, please get in touch- I’ m here to support you.