With everything our young people have experienced this year, the case for a full headspace for Batemans Bay has never been clearer. I have championed this service for many years and I was pleased when the government matched my commitment for the service at the last election. Since the bushfires, I have pushed hard for that funding to be brought forward, so it was a very special day early in November when I joined with headspace and the Primary Health Network Coordinare to announce the new site for this much-needed service.

Positioned beautifully across from the Clyde, right in town, I know the new headspace service will make a significant difference to the lives of our young people and I am thrilled to see it moving forward.

There is so much happening along the Bay’s foreshore this year – and it is definitely getting noticed. The Governor of NSW, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, has taken a particular interest in our magnificent sculpture display and it was my honour to join with the committee and the community in welcoming Her Excellency to officially open the latest two sculptures – Family by Ron Gombok and Fracture 2 by David Ball. These wonderful additions to our foreshore help to show some of the joy and resilience local people have shown this year and it was a beautiful day to see them officially opened.

Our tourism industry has been hit hard this year and I want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to encourage tourists back to the area.

The Batemans Bay Coastal Headlands Walking Trail and Observation Point Viewing Platform is a project that has long been supported by council and will now be made a reality thanks to $5,250,000 in joint Federal and State funding. There’s no doubt our coast is one of our best assets – this 30 kilometre walking track and lookout will be a special addition to our tourism landscape and I can’t wait to see it open!

We already know how special our community is, and I absolutely love showcasing the positive things happening throughout the South Coast.