3 minute read
DAVE SHARMA
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WENTWORTH
With 2021 now well and truly underway, I hope you managed to spend some restful time with family and friends over the summer break. Like many of you I expect, my interstate travel plans to visit family were interrupted. Fortunately, NSW is now seeing a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions, thanks to the community's collective efforts. From 12:01am on Friday, February 26, NSW residents will be allowed up to 50 people at their home, up from 30 — the total number of visitors includes adults and children. At weddings, up to 30 people will be able to dance, and up to 50 people will also be allowed in gym classes, although the 4-square metre rule will still apply.
Advertisement
COVID-19 VACCINE IS HERE
Our vaccination program is underway! The second shipment of another 166,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Australia this week. The first phase of our vaccination program focuses on protecting our most vulnerable and frontline workers, who are protecting all of us. Getting vaccinated does just that. Australians can be confident these vaccines are safe, free and evidence shows they stop you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.
My office has received a lot of questions about the vaccine rollout, and the Australian Department of Health has put together a list of frequently asked questions to address any concerns. Visit my website at www.davesharma.com.au/covid-vaccine to read more.
PEP-11 LICENCE
Like many of you, I feel especially attached to the ocean. Here in Wentworth we have some of the world’s most pristine coastline, with beaches that people travel from around the world to visit.
Last year I spoke in Parliament against the renewal of the petroleum exploration permit 11 licence, or PEP 11. This licence covers the coastline off Sydney, stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong. This area is one of the most densely populated and trafficked strips of ocean in the world. It's also one of the most beautiful and most iconic.
I have made my opposition to the renewal of PEP-11 known to the NSW and Federal Ministers responsible, and this month the NSW Deputy Premier formally opposed the renewal of the licence.
In October last year we created a community petition to help you voice your opposition - please sign today at www.bit.ly/stoppep11 PEP-11 is due to expire this month unless renewed, and community support is necessary to stop this going ahead.
MARDI GRAS
It’s great news that Mardi Gras will be going ahead on Saturday, March 6, with the parade proceeding in a COVIDSafe way at the SCG.
Mardi Gras is an important celebration of gay and lesbian culture and a symbol of the vibrancy which adds so much to Sydney's diversity. It's an enormous celebration that has become a key part of the Sydney calendar. I congratulate those who work so hard to make sure Mardi Gras is a success each year, and I'll be marching proudly in the parade on Saturday night, as the local MP. Happy Mardi Gras!
Dave Sharma Federal Member for Wentworth
Nominations open 29 March
The Woollahra Design Excellence Awards acknowledge examples of buildings and places that make an excellent contribution to the character and heritage of Woollahra. Local residents and their architects, planners, builders or consultants are encouraged to nominate residential or commercial buildings from within the Woollahra local government area. Awards nominations close 21 May.
To enter or learn more, visit woollahra.nsw.gov.au/designawards
2019 Winner – Design (Alterations & Additions) Homage to Oscar by Luigi Rosselli Architects
