Dr Joe McGirr MP | Politician

Dr Joe McGirr MP

Phone: +61 2 6921 1622

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25.01.2022 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME: BEGINS THIS WEEKEND A reminder that clocks will go forward one hour, at 2am on Sunday, signalling the beginning of daylight saving as we get closer to summer. Your digital devices will most likely change on their own, however you will need to change clocks manually.

24.01.2022 LAWS PROPOSED TO HELP PREVENT PROBLEM GAMBLING The NSW Government is seeking community feedback on a raft of proposed new laws to tackle harm associated with gaming machine use, and I'm interested in hearing the views of our community. Existing laws are outdated, and rely on gamblers voluntarily banning themselves from the gaming areas of hotels and clubs, and from the casino.... The proposed changes would for allow concerned family members to apply to a hotel or registered club to ban a gambler from entering the venue, and will require venues to take all reasonable steps to stop an excluded person from entering prohibited areas; introducing penalties for failure to comply. --------- Click here to read more about the proposed changes here https://bit.ly/2S26cc6 If you would like to share feedback, you can do so by sending me a message, leaving a comment, or using the feedback form, here https://bit.ly/36oZdCP

24.01.2022 Over the weekend, NSW honoured the brave emergency services personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, with eight names being added to the memorial at a ceremony at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Among these was Jingellic Firefighter and former Wagga Wagga student, Samuel McPaul, who lost his life fighting the 'Black Summer' bushfires in December 2019. Our communities owe a great deal to the selflessness and heroism of volunteers like Samuel, and the 101 other volunteers whose names are now enshrined on the memorial.

24.01.2022 DV TRAINING FOR HAIRDRESSERS Hairdressers in Wagga Wagga can now book their place in a workshop to access domestic violence awareness training, to ensure they’re better prepared if a client discloses abuse when attending their salon. The training will focus on empowering hairdressers with information to best ensure that they are equipped to recognise domestic violence, manage any disclosures from customers, and most importantly, support the victim to get the help th...ey need. The two training sessions - being held on 19 October and 26 October 2020 - are being facilitated by the Wagga Women's Health Centre and the Wagga Women’s Health Centre and the Wagga Domestic Violence Advocacy Service. Each session is capped to a maximum of 20 people so bookings are essential. To book you can email [email protected] or call (02) 6921 6588. ---------- For confidential advice, support and referrals related to domestic and family violence, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491).

23.01.2022 #hatsofftoruralwomen October 15 marks International Day of Rural Women. In the lead up, I'd like to acknowledge and celebrate just a few of the incredible women across our electorate who contribute tremendous amounts of knowledge, support, innovation and inspiration to our communities. Today, we meet Leanne Sanders. ... Leanne has conceptualised an app which will help youth to create a positive future by sharing the richness of Aboriginal Spiritual Wellbeing. Visual Dreaming cultivates leadership and pride in Aboriginal identity, and culture and create self determination to reduce social isolation, mental health, incarceration and most of all suicide. It uses digital story-telling and visual goal setting to connect individuals with their dream team (family, friends, mentors, trusted health care workers). This app is a fantastic achievement for Leanne, who is incredibly dedicated to improving Aboriginal mental health. [: I'm pictured here with Stan Grant and Leanne at the launch of the Visual Dreaming app earlier this year.]

23.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE - NSW No new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with the total number of cases in NSW remaining at 4,029. This is the second day in a row that NSW has had no new cases, either locally acquired or in hotel quarantine.

22.01.2022 BATLOW DROP-IN SESSION Tomorrow, from 10am-4pm at the Batlow Literary Institute there'll be an informal catch-up taking place, where you can reconnect with the community, and access council and support agency services. You don't need to make a booking, just attend - being mindful of COVID-safe precautions. ... Batlow Literary Institute between 10am 4pm.

22.01.2022 SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION FOR BATLOW CBD Motorists are advised to slow down in Batlow’s central business district as the speed limit is lowered later this month to improve pedestrian safety and access to local shops. As a result of a review of the speed limit at the intersections of Batlow Road with Selwyn and Pioneer streets, the speed limit will be dropped from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in the Batlow central business district.... The review assessed a number of factors including crash history, road geometry, road usage, adjacent development, traffic mix and volumes, and the number of access points in Batlow’s central business district. The new speed limit signs will be installed in the area on Monday 30 November 2020, weather permitting. Signs will be in place to advise motorists of the changed traffic conditions, and road users are encouraged to keep an eye out for the changes and follow the new directions.

21.01.2022 CELEBRATING ALLIED HEALTH WORKERS Today the Health Services Union are celebrating allied health professionals such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Diversional Therapists, and Dieticians. HSU members make huge contributions to our communities, not only during this pandemic, but every single day. ... Today I'd like to take the opportunity to thank and acknowledge the work of all our allied health professionals.

20.01.2022 MEET THE MP: WAGGA WAGGA Next Saturday, October 10, I'll be hosting a MP session at the Wagga Wagga Marketplace. This is an excellent opportunity to hear the concerns of our community, and feedback on state government issues, and I look forward to seeing you there.... We, of course, will have plenty of hand sanitiser, and will be exercising appropriate physical distancing throughout the morning. Saturday 10 October, 10am to 1pm Wagga Wagga Marketplace, opposite Cotton On Kids

20.01.2022 A (VIRTUAL) NIGHT WITH THE BLOKES This Thursday, there'll be a virtual "Blokes Night" on from 7pm, hosted by Tomorrow Man for men of the Snowy Valleys Region. The event is taking place to open conversations about the state of man; face the stats and create a space to explore how men can look after ourselves, our mates and families better while carving out our own version of the Aussie man.... You can find out more and attend from the comfort of your own home by using the password SNOWYBN to register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-virtual-night-with-the-bl

16.01.2022 The South West Slopes Forestry Hub has developed a strategic plan that will assist with planning the softwood industry’s future after the fires and through to 2050 and is now developing a communication strategy. To assist, you can share what you know and would like to know about the industry in your region, and how you like to receive communication about these plans.... The Hub is one of nine regional centres that will each receive $1million over three years to assist with expanding their local industries. The role of the Hub is to undertake the research and studies needed to identify industry constraints, find and prioritise solutions and manage projects to enable the expansion. A key element of this is community engagement. Hearing the views of local people will help the Hub to understand the interests of the communities and increase awareness of the industry, the facts about softwood plantations and the sector’s contribution to jobs and community wellbeing. You can assist by completing the survey and sharing it with others who may be interested, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SWSForestryHub #SWSlopesForestryHub

15.01.2022 OZHARVEST BACK IN BATLOW The OzHarvest Mobile Market will be back in Batlow tomorrow, October 1, from 9am - 10:30am, at the Batlow RSL on Pioneer St (rear undercover carpark). A bag of fresh fruit and vegetables will be available to any household doing it tough, free of charge. Please tag anyone who may benefit from this. ... ------- NOTE: Physical distancing and hand sanitation will be in place. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell. The use of a mask is highly encouraged.

15.01.2022 September 29 marks Police Remembrance Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community. The men and women of our Police Force put their lives on the line each day to serve and protect our communities, and for that we cannot thank them enough.

14.01.2022 This week co-founder of the War on Slavery, Becky Honey, was one of a number of people who came to Parliament House this week to call on the government to take action on the NSW Modern Slavery Act 2018. The act is yet to be enforced, despite passing both houses of Parliament, and I would like to see this bill enacted ASAP. Currently there is an ePetition running to proclaim the Modern Slavery Act 2018. You can find and sign it, here https://bit.ly/360BpF0... ----- Becky and I are pictured here with Speaker, Jonathan O'Dea MP.

14.01.2022 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS EASED Restrictions for outdoor dining and outdoor music performances will be eased from this Friday 16 October, under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules. Restrictions at hospitality venues will be eased to allow one patron for every two square metres in outdoor areas (previously this was one person per four square metres).... Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details. Under changes effective immediately, 500 people will be able to attend outdoor seated music performances and rehearsals, subject to the four square metre rule and people being seated (previously 20 people were permitted). The community and businesses are doing a great job of working together to keep COVID-19 at bay, and these changes will be a big boost for our hospitality and music industry with more people in NSW able to enjoy the outdoors over the summer in a safe way.

14.01.2022 GREATER CAPACITY AT THEATRES, CINEMAS AND CORPORATE EVENTS From next week, entertainment facilities including theatres, cinemas and concert halls will be able to increase their capacity. Provided venues have COVID-Safe plans and adhere to public health requirements, cinemas and halls will be able to sell tickets for seated events at 50 per cent of capacity, to a maximum of 1,000 tickets.... Corporate events at function centres will be able to host whichever is the lesser number; 300 people, or one person per four square metres

13.01.2022 SCHOOL FORMS GO DIGITAL Parents at NSW public schools will soon have the option to enrol their child online, with the NSW Government set to commence a program to digitise frequently used school forms. Online enrolment offers a modern, digital alternative to the current handwritten application form, saving both families and school administration teams time. ... Frequently used forms included in the roll-out of the digital program will include parent-teacher interview bookings, student absences and HSC subject selections. A paper enrolment option will remain for families who do not have access to digital facilities. ---------- To check if online applications are available at your school, go to the school website or https://education.nsw.gov.au//online-enrolment-for-nsw-pub

13.01.2022 The Innovation Districts Challenges are designed to accelerate the commercialisation of research products that address the impacts of COVID-19 by businesses in partnership with universities and CSIRO in NSW. Charles Sturt University Innovation Hub is supporting businesses in the Riverina-Murray, Central West and Mid-North Coast areas through these series of challenges. If you, or someone you know in your networks, is working on the development of a health or wellbeing soluti...on that will help reduce the impact of COVID-19, you could be eligible for $250,000 funding. Expressions of interest close this Friday, 16th October. To find out more, visit https://research.csu.edu.au//agritec/innovation-challenges ------------ Two more challenges will be announced in the coming months, and I will share these here as more information becomes available.

12.01.2022 While we're all looking forward to the upcoming long weekend, a reminder that COVID-19 WILL NOT be taking a break. If you are out and about and socialising please remember to remain vigilant and follow COVID-safe precautions: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay.... Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out. Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. Enjoy your long weekend, but please stay safe. ---------------- : NSW Health

12.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE - NSW There have been no recently acquired locally transmitted cases in NSW in the last 24 hours. NSW has today reported one case that is believed to be an old case which will be added to the total number of cases today. The epidemiological and laboratory investigations indicate the infection likely occurred two months ago. ... Two cases of returned travellers in hotel quarantine were also diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,038

11.01.2022 MENTAL HEALTH MONTH October 1 to 31 is Mental Health Month. 2020 has been a tough year. Between bushfires, and COVID-19, so many amongst our community have been separated from friends and loved ones for, lost homes, seen businesses close or lose jobs. ... This mental health month, it's more important than ever to ensure you are tuning in to your mental health. If you're not feeling like your usual self, feeling particularly stressed, or feel like a good chat would relieve you of a mental burden - reach out to some one you trust and start a conversation. #MentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthWeek

10.01.2022 APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2021 REGIONAL YOUTH TASKFORCE If you are interested in advocating for the issues impacting your peers and classmates, I encourage you to apply to be a part of next year’s Regional Youth Taskforce. The Ministerial advocacy group has a direct line to... government to raise local issues, and is now open for young people aged between 12 and 24. This is a fantastic opportunity to be heard, to voice your opinion on local issues, represent your mates and peers and help make decisions that drive change in your own community. --------------- Applications are open until 18 October. To find more information or submit an application, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional- youth-taskforce

09.01.2022 MENTAL HEALTH MONTH October 1 to 31 is Mental Health Month. This year, more so than ever before, it is imperative that we reach out to those in our lives, check in, listen, and let them know that we are there for them. 2020 has been a tough year, but starting a conversation with someone could be the catalyst for positive change for someone close to you. ... Look our for one another #MentalHealthMonth

08.01.2022 NSW SMALL BUSINESS MONTH Thousands of businesses across the state are set to receive a boost after one of the most challenging times in recent history as the NSW Small Business Month launches today. To find out what's happening locally to celebrate small business month, you can visit the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber website https://www.waggachamber.com.au/small-business-month... Their program for the month includes the 'Major Month Event', "NOT ANOTHER WEBINAR" on Thursday, October 15. As an extra bit of fun, you can follow along and support our local pubs, with the Chamber's #WaggasBestSchnitty competition!

07.01.2022 MENTAL HEALTH MONTH October 1 to 31 is Mental Health Month. This has been an exceptionally hard year for so many people throughout our community. If you're finding yourself stressed, down, or unsure where to turn, please reach out to a support service who will be able to assist you to work through how you're feeling.... There is no shame in reaching out for support. It is up to us to reduce the stigma around mental illness, and seeking support. If you are in need of assistance, you can contact: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 Kids HelpLine: 1800 55 1800 Sexual assault, Family and Domestic Violence: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 In an emergency, please call 000 immediately.

06.01.2022 SLOW DOWN AND SAVE LIVES THIS LONG WEEKEND The weather is set to be fantastic this long weekend, which means lots of us will be out on the road and on the waterways, however please remember to slow down and be safe while travelling. Double demerits will be in place for the long weekend to deter people from taking risks with their own lives, and the lives of those around them.... One road fatality is one too many. Stick to the speed limit, put your phone down, and observe the road rules ---------------------- Double demerits will be in place from 12.01am on Friday (2 October 2020) to 11.59pm on Monday (5 October 2020).

04.01.2022 Looking back at events from the past month; including the recent handing over mass and Pro Patria Centre event at the Carmelite Monastery. This photo was taken at the smoking ceremony that commenced the event, captured with thanks to Colin Taggart.

04.01.2022 BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS Applications close this Sunday for the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network bushfire recovery grants. MPHN is providing its bushfire affected communities with an opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $10,000, which has been made possible as part of the Australian Government’s Supporting Communities in Recovery program.... Organisations and community groups within the Snowy Valleys, Greater Hume Shire and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional local government can apply for a Bushfire Recovery Grant for local activities and initiatives to support wellbeing and resilience. - Click here to apply, and for more info https://bit.ly/33cuXZK Grant applications will close this Sunday, 4 October 2020. A third round of funding is planned for March 2021.

04.01.2022 GROWING MORE GREEN THUMBS IN SCHOOLS More opportunities for schools seed their sustainability ideas and grow their projects are now open, with round two of the NSW Government’s four-year Sustainable Schools Grants program opening earlier this week to support students in developing innovative sustainability projects at their schools. Tumut High School was a recipient in round one of the funding; receiving a grant for sustainable landscaping around the school's Wellbeing Hu...b. A barren unused tennis court area has been landscaped, with important eco-friendly features like water tanks.There are now plans to extend this even further, with an emphasis on native plants. The Year 9 girls who participate in the Burrabinya program are hoping to explore traditional uses for these native plants. ------ The second round of grant application can be submitted until 5 pm, 11th December, and the successful applicants will be notified Term 1 2021.

02.01.2022 #hatsofftoruralwomen October 15 marks International Day of Rural Women. Today I'd like to acknowledge and celebrate a few more of the incredible women across our electorate who contribute tremendous amounts of knowledge, support, innovation and inspiration to our communities. Earlier in the year, Jo Murrell took on the role of Bushfire Recovery Coordinator in Batlow.... Despite the challenges COVID-19 has thrown in her way with respect to engaging with bushfire impacted communities, Jo hit the ground running and has been a pillar of support for many throughout the community. On behalf of the region I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to Jo for the support she has offered the Batlow community, as it recovers from the catastrophic bushfires faced earlier this year.

02.01.2022 ‘GET READY’ FOR STORM SEASON With a wet and wild summer on the cards this year, the NSW Government and NSW SES are encouraging all communities to be ready for a potential increase in storms and floods. The danger of driving through flood waters, and what it takes to rescue people from stranded vehicles is being highlighted by the SES in the lead up to storm season, with some NSW residents still not heeding the warnings risking their lives by driving through floodwaters... Over the last eight months alone, NSW SES has received 500 rescue requests from people who have driven into flood waters. ----------- For more storm safety tips and how you can prepare for storm and flood events, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

02.01.2022 APPLYING FOR GRANTS WEBINAR I'd like to invite individuals and organisations throughout our electorate to join in on a Grants Webinar, run by The Grants Guy next Wednesday, to learn how to prepare to apply for grant funding. The workshop will be ideal for those NGO, Not-for-Profit, CALD and Community Groups interested in finding out more about successfully securing grant funding, as well as what funding exists, and how you can use it to best support your organisation.... The webinar for residents of the Wagga Wagga Electorate will take place on Zoom, with no cost to attend. Wednesday, October 7 2020 6pm-7pm Online (Zoom) Free to join You can now register for the webinar, here https://bit.ly/2G7nceS ----------- Authorised by Dr Joe McGirr. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

02.01.2022 HEAT WAVE ALERT With temperatures in parts of the region expected to reach 35-40 degrees later this week and up to 42 degrees on Saturday, Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously. Director Public Health Tracey Oakman has said that while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including the over 75s, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and p...eople who live alone. Please stay safe this weekend, and take necessary precautions actions to avoid heat-related illness. - You can read the full alert from MLHD here https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au//public/heat-wave-alert

01.01.2022 Congratulations to Kirsty Cottrell from Riverina Community College who was selected as a finalist in the Community College Student of the Year awards. It was a pleasure to be able to participate locally in the Zoom event. A big congratulations also goes to RCC and to Kirsty's teachers Alicia Williams and Stefanie Brook. Also pictured here with Kirsty and myself are Angela Rey from Training Services NSW, and Serena Hardwick of the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber, as well as Kirst...y's mum.

01.01.2022 CHANGES TO MLHD VISITOR RESTRICTIONS As COVID-19 numbers reduce across NSW, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is relaxing visitor restrictions for Residential Aged Care facilities as well as paediatric patients in the District. From today, Wednesday 30 September 2020, aged care residents will be supported to have two visitors per day aged 16 years and over. This is an increase from one visitor for one hour in place since late July 2020.... Two parents or carers of paediatric patients in MHLD health care facilities will be permitted to visit a child in hospital instead of a single parent/carer.

01.01.2022 SUNFLOWER HOUSE OPEN DAY Next Saturday, 24 October, Sunflower House will be holding an open day as part of Mental Health Month. As a patron of the house I look forward to being there and speaking about the fantastic work the house does advocating for improved mental health throughout the community. ... On the day you'll also hear from Dr Jonathon Ho, Member Toby Lamont and House President, Mark Horton, speaking about the challenges of mental health and Sunflower House. The event will take place from 10am to noon, and the community is invited to go along and explore the house, the gardens and available facilities. -------- Find out more at the event page, here https://www.facebook.com/events/2521908468031601