A suggestion was mooted that at least two nominations be made from Harden and two from Boorowa, in order for those districts to have a representation on the new council.

I note that in the Dubbo and Wellington merger, the above system is being used.  How is it then, that we in Hilltops, have been denied this opportunity?  Our chance of fair and reasonable representation is questionable, in my opinion.   

It should not matter if you are from Young or Yagoona; every child deserves to have access to quality education in the year before school.

The earlier we can provide educational support and invest in the lives of our next generation the better – and I am proud the NSW government are backing country kids.

Every child in the Cootamundra electorate should have access to affordable quality education in the year before school and our Start Strong reforms do exactly that.

I am proud this year’s budget invests an additional $217 million to extend Start Strong until 2021 - and to ensure this increase in funding has a real impact upon service affordability; community preschool services must pass on at least 75 per cent of the increased funding to parents as a fee reduction. For example, before our historic investment in early childhood education, at one preschool in regional NSW - it cost families $15 a day for a child to attend and now it is $5 a day. For disadvantaged children it is now $4 dollars a day.

We know the biggest indicator of how a child will finish their school career is how they start it. We also know two days a week of quality early childhood education in the year before school can make a big difference between a child flourishing or struggling in the first year of school – this is even more important for children growing up in areas of regional NSW, like Harden.

We also know some community preschools in the Cootamundra electorate have long waiting lists and that is why we have opened up the $10 million capital works grants to build additional rooms or purchase vehicles for mobile services so they can increase the number of places available.

The additional investment, announced in this year’s budget, gives families and preschools certainty – because our kids deserve it and our families expect it.

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to everyone in NSW who gave generously to The Smith Family’s 2017 Winter Appeal. This year we had exceptional support from the Australian public, raising more than $4.6 million nationally to help thousands of disadvantaged children.

For the 1.1 million young Australians living below the poverty line, staying engaged at school and keeping up with their peers can be extremely challenging. Without educational support and extra resources, they may never reach their potential and are more likely to experience hardship as adults.

Funds raised from our Winter Appeal will help nearly 11,000 children with the extra learning support they need. It is heartening that this cause has resonated with so many people who gave to our appeal. I would like to thank each and every individual who made a donation. Your help will have a direct, lasting impact on disadvantaged children here in Australia, giving them the best chance possible to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves.