The official opening of the First Steps Count Child and Community Centre stage two expansion was a time for celebration.

The expanded, child-friendly and welcoming space will nurture generations of children and families.

.I always love the Comboyne Show and this year was no exception.

The two-day event, jam-packed with displays, exhibits and activities, was a great showcase of agriculture and country life.

Mental illness has an enormous impact, not only on individuals but their loved ones and friends.

One in five people will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year, according to the Black Dog Institute.

As a federal politician, I often meet with foreign dignitaries who are visiting Parliament House as part of diplomatic missions to Australia.

At these meetings I am always interested in what opportunities exist for businesses from our region to expand their exports or highlight our wonderful tourist experiences.

I inspected ABB Midcoast’s “bulk-up depot” at Coolongolook, funded with support of a $987,544 grant from former Federal Coalition Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

The facility is helping to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste going to landfill.

I recently took the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie to inspect the progress at the Northern Gateway Transport Hub at Cundletown.

This major infrastructure project led by Jim Pearson Transport will be a fantastic gateway to Taree and provide an improved transport depot for the truck fleet as well strengthen fuel and food security up and down the highway.

It was great to catch up with people from across the electorate at Club Taree with my colleague, the Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson MP and good friend and colleague Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie as part of her visit to the electorate.

There was a lot of discussion and concern about the impact of the Albanese Government’s policy decisions out of Canberra on our area.

Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan MP, the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie and I met with Port Macquarie and Taree-based car dealers to discuss the impact on new car prices of the Albanese Government’s proposed new fuel efficiency standards.

Industry analysis says Labor’s proposal will add thousands of dollars to new SUVs, utes and 4WDs.

Congratulations to all the students who celebrated the completion of their studies at the Taree Universities Campus celebration of success.

It was wonderful to wish them all a huge congratulations in the company of their families, the Taree Universities Campus team and Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie.

My colleague Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, recently visited the Lyne electorate.

We met with pharmacist and owner of Nabiac Pharmacy Tim Wright to discuss the impact of the Albanese Government’s 60-day dispensing rule on his business.

I was delighted to visit Hallidays Sports Club to present a new Australian flag.

Their old flag had been on loan from a club member.

Well done to Local Sporting Champions grant recipient Alexia Codling.

Alexia competed in the School Sport Australia Athletics Championships which drew young athletes from across the country.

It was a pleasure to visit GLAICA House to present a new Australian flag.

Resident Tony Moore proudly accepted the flag on behalf of the Tuncurry aged care facility.

Well done to Local Sporting Champions grant recipient Jeremy Ussher.

The grant helped towards the cost associated with competing in the All Schools National Championships.