I’m proud to have delivered this service for the families of Spring Terrace, providing safe delivery of their children to school and back home again. Rural communities rely on services to sustain them, and in this case it will help to ensure the school doors remain open.

I wish to thank the passionate members of the Spring Terrace School Parents and Citizens Association, who first brought this to my attention. Thank you to Duncan Auld, Regional Director of Public Education, for his support in my quest to see this service delivered.

This service will now provide assurances to the parents of students, and allow them to attend to work and other commitments they might otherwise not have been able to do.

LAST week I visited the Orange Blood Donor Centre for a regular blood donation. Rolling up your sleeves and doing your part could save the lives of three people; it can also be made into 22 different medical treatments. I am committed to making regular donations, which is so simple and easy to do, yet it can make such a difference.

If you haven’t yet donated, please do because your blood, plasma or platelets could save a life. If you need an incentive, the delightful milkshakes, cakes and biscuits you’ll be treated to after your donation are well worth going for.

Myself? I’m quite partial to the chocolate malt flavored milkshake.

LAST week I attended the opening of the new emergency department at the Canowindra Soldiers Memorial Hospital, which followed 20 weeks of construction. It is pleasing to see essential services such as our hospitals receive funding and upgrades necessary to provide the level of care our rural communities deserve.

The $1 million construction was unfortunately limited to just the two-bed emergency department. I undertook a tour of the hospital and was appalled to discover some exposed woodwork crumbling from white ant infestation. It is clear that the new ED is a fraction of what is needed to upgrade the hospital.

It is preposterous that the National Liberal Government is committing to re-build existing city sports stadiums, unnecessarily costing the state billions of dollars when a fraction of that could deliver an entirely new hospital for Canowindra.

My question to this government is this: what is more important, entertainment or health?

THE Central West is well known for producing outstanding sports men and women. Recently I was proud to award the Premier’s sports achievement certificate to Jack Connors, of Canobolas Rural Technology High School, and William Smith from Kinross Wolaroi.

Jack was recognised for his outstanding achievements in athletics and William has thrived in schoolboy rugby. Both boys have been great sporting ambassadors for their schools and the wider Central West region in their representations.

I congratulate you both and wish you all the best for your sporting careers.