The National Service Medal is presented in recognition of service and dedication, in Mike’s case to Australia and the State as a member of the Australian Army Reserves and the State Emergency Service. 

I offer Mike my congratulations and the community will join me in thanking him for his years of selfless duty.

If you’re a sports fanatic like I am, you’re probably checking up on the Australian Olympic Team medal tally any spare moment you have. Australia has got off to a great start at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and while there are lots of big names carrying the hopes of the country for a chance at gold, I was very proud to learn that we have some sporting heroes of our own from the electorate representing Australia at the games. James Stanton-French, originally from Mudgee is part of the Men’s Water Polo Team and Patrick McCutcheon who plays in the Men’s Rugby Sevens team is originally from Narromine. We wish James and Patrick all the best and know they’ll do us proud.

It was an emotional, very personal and proud moment for me in Parliament last week when, as the Minister for Police I was able to announce $2 million in NSW Government funding towards a joint initiative with NSW Police Legacy to support former local police officers and their families.

The program (Back Up for Life) offers greater support to injured officers and their loved ones with programs and initiatives that recognise the contribution former officers have made while serving the community. Having spent most of my career as a serving officer, I know all too well that police are often expected to be the pillars of strength in situations when those around them are in their darkest hours.

Police officers deserve all the support they can get as they transition to life outside the force and many of these officers carry physical and mental scars following years of service to the community and this can make the transition from active duty more difficult. This program will ensure they get the help they need, including support to get back into the community and jobs, as well as physical fitness and counselling services.

You may recall that I recently announced Ngali Shaw of Geurie, a student at Dubbo College – Delroy Campus as the electorate’s inaugural Aboriginal Student of the Year.

I caught up with Ngali and his father Zeke and many other students from across the State at Parliament House last week for the Emerging Leaders leadership forum Ngali had the opportunity to interact with inspiring Aboriginal leaders in a range of professions, from the world of entertainment, business and sport, as well as meeting with Aboriginal, business and Government leaders and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Leslie Williams. Nagli and so many students like him are making outstanding contributions as young leaders in our community and again, I warmly congratulate him and all of the finalists.

As of last week, the Sydney transport network no longer issues paper tickets, so it will be essential for everyone to obtain an OPAL card to use public transport in Sydney. I have raised the issue of access to OPAL top-up facilities outside of Sydney with Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport, and will provide advice about the progress of this matter in time.​