POLITICS
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Apprentice shortage puts local small businesses at risk
with Julian Leeser MP Federal Member for Berowra
Across Berowra, small businesses are facing a perfect storm and nowhere is this clearer than in the growing struggle to attract and retain apprentices.
In conversations with local operators, alongside Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training, it was clear that workforce challenges are now one of the biggest threats to their viability.
At Camerons Nursery, the issue starts even earlier. I was told“ it’ s not flagged at school, and it’ s not really thought of as a career pathway.” As fewer young people enter trades, businesses are left competing for a shrinking pool of workers.
Mitchell Burge from Licensed to Chill A / C highlighted just how broken the pipeline has become:“ Last year
I contacted 17 schools … only two responded, and only one we went into and took an apprentice from.” For businesses trying to train the next generation, the lack of engagement is both frustrating and unsustainable.
At the same time, the burden on employers continues to grow. Apprentices require supervision, cannot work independently for years, and often don’ t contribute enough to cover their cost. Training gaps are compounding the problem, with one employer noting“ they’ re learning more at work than what they are at TAFE.”
Despite this, many business owners feel current government responses are missing the mark, focused on announcements rather than practical, onthe-ground solutions that make it easier to hire, train and retain apprentices.
If we want strong local economies, we must back the small businesses carrying
Julian Leeser alongside Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Shadow Minister for Small Business and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training at Camerona Nursery.
the load by rebuilding the apprenticeship pipeline and making it viable to train the next generation.
If you are a local business struggling to hire or retain apprentices, I encourage you to share your experience by contacting me at: Julian. Leeser. MP @ aph. gov. au
Nominations open for 2026 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year Awards, giving the community a chance to recognise the extraordinary contribution volunteers make across the region.
Part of the broader NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, the program is now in its 20th year and remains one of the largest celebrations of volunteering in the country. Run by The Centre for Volunteering, the awards recognise outstanding individuals across seven categories, highlighting the diverse ways people give back to their communities.
Residents are encouraged to nominate family members, friends, colleagues or community members whose efforts often go unrecognised but make a lasting difference.
According to the 2025 NSW State of Volunteering Report, volunteers across the state contribute an estimated 1.3 billion hours each year— equating to a remarkable $ 205.3 billion contribution to the NSW economy.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards shine a light on this invaluable work.
“ Volunteers in NSW do so much good for so many people every year,” Ms Rygate said.
“ Now, more than ever, we need to recognise the positive impact of volunteering, particularly in areas like Western Sydney. That’ s what these awards are all about.”
Regional award recipients will be invited to attend the State Gala Ceremony later in the year, where they will represent Outer Western Sydney and be part of the announcement of the overall 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year.
Last year’ s Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, St John Ambulance first aid logistics officer Richard Bernecic, was honoured for his dedication to keeping the community safe and healthy across the region.
Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, Jodie Harrison MP, said volunteers play a vital role in shaping strong communities.
“ Our state would not be the thriving place it is without the millions of volunteers giving their time and sharing their knowledge and skills every day,” she said.
“ They don’ t do it for recognition or awards, but because they want to help others. These awards are a meaningful way to show how much
they are appreciated.”
Emergency service volunteers are also recognised through a dedicated award category, supported by NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.
“ Every day across NSW, emergency service volunteers quietly step up for their communities without being asked
2025 Winner Outer Western Sydney Volunteer of the Year, Richard Bernecic( centre). and without expecting recognition,” Mr Dib said.
“ Whether responding to floods, fires or storms, they put others first— often at great personal sacrifice. If you know someone who gives their time in this way, I encourage you to nominate them.” Nominations for the 2026 awards close on Friday, 29 May.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 131 // MAY 2026 21