Previously all NSW driver’s licences had to be renewed in person, but under the new service, eligible customers will be able to renew their licence online for up to 5 years using their existing photo, by logging on to the Service NSW site. 

The new licence will be issued by post within 10 business days, with customers required to print an interim licence for use in the meantime. 

An eligible driver renewing their licence online may only need to visit a Service NSW centre as often as once every 10 years to update their photo or sit an eye test. 

To ensure security and safety on our roads, online renewal will not be available for some licences, for example if a medical assessment is required or if the licence is restricted.

Fees will remain the same whether customers renew online or at a Service NSW centre. For more information about online licence renewals, including eligibility criteria, visit www.service.nsw.gov.auor phone13 77 88.

2016 HIDDEN TREASURES HONOUR ROLL

Do you know of a rural woman who is working as a volunteer within your electorate and would like to acknowledge their contribution? 

The Rural Women’s Network (RWN) is seeking your help to identify volunteers for the 2016 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. 

Hidden Treasures is an annual initiative of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Rural Women’s Network (RWN) to recognise the outstanding efforts of rural women volunteers in NSW and to promote the valuable role of volunteering to the community.  

This important tribute captures inspirational stories, documenting and celebrating the unpaid work of rural women who are ensuring the viability of so many important and crucial community groups and charities such as emergency services, the arts, environment, social justice, education and sporting organisations, and so many others within rural and regional communities.  

The 2016 Honour Roll will be launched at the annual NSW Rural Women’s Gathering hosted by women from Broken Hill from 28-30 October 2016.  Nominations for this year’s Honour Roll will close on Monday 1 August 2016 and can be completed online at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/rwn/activities/hidden-treasures.

IT’S TIME TO GET OUT INTO THE PLEIN AIR!

The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize is once again open for entries.  Professional and emerging artists with a penchant for painting ‘en plein air’ will have the chance to win $20,000 with the NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize, which is now open for entries. 

The coveted Prize includes a public exhibition of finalists’ works at Parliament House throughout October. 

The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting Prize is one of the only landscape painting prizes in Australia to celebrate this unique and age-old art form, which requires the artist to paint entirely out of doors, in direct contact with nature and the elements.

Artists cross fields, climb mountains, follow rivers, or even simply wander out into the backyard or neighbourhood in search of the perfect subject.  Barwon has some incredible natural and urban scenery and I’d encourage local artists to pack their paints and easels and have a go at capturing the area en plein air.  

Now in its 9th year, the Prize has gained a reputation for shining the spotlight on professional and emerging plein air painters, and is one of the most eagerly anticipated landscape painting prizes on the NSW arts calendar. 

Entries will be accepted from June 22 – July 27 via electronic submission. For more information, including important dates, conditions of entry and the entry form please visit www.pleinair.com.au

HOUSEHOLDS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW LPG REBATE

More than 80,000 vulnerable, low-income households across NSW that use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to power their homes are expected to benefit from a new LPG rebate.  Previously the Gas Rebate has only been available to households connected to the natural gas distribution network, however many customers in regional areas who do not have access to the natural gas network rely on LPG. 

The $90 Gas Rebate will now be extended to households that rely upon reticulated or delivered LPG for heating, cooking and powering their hot water systems and that are not connected to a natural gas distribution network. 

Eligible LPG customers will be able to apply for the new rebate from 1 July 2016. For more information on the NSW Government’s energy rebates visit: http://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/rebates

THUMBS UP

This Friday June 24 is Red Nose Day and I’d like to give a big Thumbs Up to all those in the Electorate who are supporting this valuable cause.  Red Nose Day raises awareness and funds for Sudden Infant Death.  To show your support, donate or purchase Red Nose Day projects at www.rednoseday.com.au.

Kevin Humphries