In March 2015, the then Minister for Health Jillian Skinner announced that Molong would receive a new $2.5 million ambulance station.

On top of that, the NSW Government announced in last year’s Budget that the NSW ambulance services would receive a $150 million.

With that said, last week in Parliament I put a question to the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard when the Government will be honouring its promise and commencing construction of the $2.5 million ambulance station.

Two and a half years later, the people of Molong, the Orange electorate and I are still waiting for this long overdue project.

The Minister said that the development application has been approved and it is likely that the construction will commence shortly.

Regional communities deserve their fair share; the government’s promises should be upheld and delivered in a timely fashion.

The time has come for the bricks and mortar instead of ink and paper.

WITH the busy lives we live, it can be difficult to stop and think of your own mental health and that of the people surrounding you.

In times like these it is I encourage that we take the time to stop and turn to those around us and ask the question, ‘Hey, are you okay?’.

Last week I met with Robert Nixon, the founder of The Aria Foundation Incorporated, to raise awareness on suicide prevention and intervention.

Many people think that asking for help is a burden. This is just not true, and I am committed to the mission of breaking this stereotype.

In order to prevent suicides occurring we need to engage in conversation and listen to each other’s stories. Only then can we understand suicide.

THE Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is responsible for providing over $1.5 million in grant funds to not-for-profit organisations.

Recently the foundation announced that it will be hosting a free two-hour workshop to assist those who are interested in applying.

I would like to inform all not-for-profit organisations in the Orange electorate that you may be eligible for funding.

The workshop will be held on the Corner of Anson and Prince street at the Livebetter 4C Centre on Friday, September 29 from 10am to 12pm.

A light lunch will be provided on the day, if you wish to attend please email foundation@newcastlepermanent.com.au and RSVP no later than Monday.

I’M encouraged to see a terrific response to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill survey I mailed out to the electorate recently.

Such an important issue needs community input into how I vote on this bill. If you haven’t yet completed and mailed back the survey, please do.

This Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament as early as this week.

I want you as the community I represent to tell me how to vote on this for you.