End of year review and looking ahead

JANELLE SAFFIN

The New Year is traditionally a time for reviewing the past year and planning for the year ahead.

While I often write about what I have been doing locally, I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a wrap up of some of the good news from the Minns Labor Government in 2024. Teacher vacancies have been slashed in regional NSW public schools.

There has been a 64 per cent drop in the number of merged and cancelled classes across the Lismore electorate in 2024.

95 per cent of public school principals say the mobile phone ban has improved student focus and reduced social isolation.

We’ve cut the elective surgery waiting list (waiting longer than clinically recommended) from 14,000 to 3,500 in one year

Introduced housing reforms– historic $5.1 billion investment in public housing, extensive planning reforms to deliver more homes and improve housing affordability and rental reforms- including banning no grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once a year and making it easier to have pets in rentals.

Introduced the toughest domestic violence laws in the countrymaking it far harder for perpetrators to get bail.

We’ve introduced changes to planning controls to speed up the availability of crisis and temporary accommodation.

Bulk Billing incentive:

$189 million to safeguard bulk billing at GP clinics across the state by waiving payroll tax for GPS who bulk bill 70 per cent of appointments (80 per cent in metro areas).

First Home Buyers Assistance – waiving or reducing stamp duty for frst home buyers purchasing homes up to $1 million. This is the most generous frst home buyers support scheme in Australia.

Energy rebates: providing rebates on energy bills of $250 for families and seniors and $350 for low income households and those with medical conditions. This is on top of the Australian Government’s $300 energy relief payment.

Wages: our budget provides for a 10.5 per cent pay rise over 3 years for the State’s essential workers. This comes on top of the 4.5 per cent pay rise last year, the biggest in over a decade. We have abolished the former government’s wages cap which caused real wages to go backwards over the 12 years they were in offce.

I note that the Nurses and Midwives pay claim has not yet been resolved and I continue to support them in their campaign.

This year we also saw the regional Drug Summit in Lismore and the NSW Summit in Sydney. Following on from that summit the Minns Government has announced a 12 month trial of pill testing at festivals. A welcome move to save lives.

SUMMER WEATHER WATCH

The start of the year it is historically a peak time for extreme weather events – storms, extreme heat, bushfres and foods. NRMA

Insurance has released its latest Wild Weather Tracker – which looks at our weather patterns and forecasts for the year ahead.

In 2024 the Richmond Tweed region was the hardest hit by weather events in NSW, making up 12 percent of weather damage insurance claims.

The report found that when going on holiday people will prioritise a tidy house over taking steps to protect it from severe weather.

The NRMA says if you are going to be away: Clear your gutters, downpipes and drains to protect from storm water overfow and property damage. Secure loose outdoor items; Clear overhanging trees and branches around your home – get a professional to do it if its dangerous- and clean up debris around your property.

The NRMA Wild Weather tracker can be found online by searching Help nation wild weather tracker.

Nominees Announced for the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards

Ballina Shire

Council invites the community to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of local individuals and groups at the 2025 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony. The event will take place on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, starting at 9am. Celebrating Our Community

The ceremony will commence with a Welcome to Country, followed by a citizenship ceremony welcoming 12 new Australians from diverse backgrounds, including Argentina, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The highlight of the day will be the 2025 Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards, honoring those who make Ballina Shire a better place to live. One exceptional nominee will be crowned Citizen of the Year.

Special Guests and Performances

The event will feature a special performance by talented singer Katie Rutledge and will be hosted by Sandra Jackson, a popular announcer from 101.9 Paradise FM, returning as the ceremony’s host. Family Fun in Lennox Park

After the formalities, the Lennox Head Lions Club will host a BBQ and live music at Lennox Park. Bring along your picnic blanket and swimmers to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fun, food, and community spirit.

Australia Day: A Time to Refect and Celebrate

Australia Day is a moment to honor our shared history, celebrate our achievements, and embrace the multicultural identity that unites us as a nation. Whether sharing a meal, attending an event, or relaxing in the park, it’s a time to appreciate the proud traditions and diverse cultures that make our nation special. 2025 Australia Day Award Nominees

This year’s awards received over 40 nominations across eight categories, showcasing the talent, dedication, and hard work of the community. Categories include:

• Local Hero

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Senior Citizen of the Year

• Volunteer of the Year

• Sports Achievement

• Arts and Culture

• Environmental Contribution

• Community Event of the Year

The full list of nominees will be unveiled at the event, shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to make Ballina Shire an incredible place to live. Join Us to Celebrate Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate local heroes, welcome new citizens, and embrace the community spirit that makes Ballina Shire so special. For more details, visit the Ballina Shire Council website or follow their social media channels.