Brett’s busy schedule, which includes significant overseas commitments, had precluded any plan until now. A small window was available in his busy schedule and the world’s fastest bowler will be making a fast-paced visit to Orange this Wednesday.

Brett will be attending Wade Park at 4pm. I would invite all the boys and girls out there who want to learn a trick or two from the master speed bowler to come along for this unique opportunity.

Brett will be also visiting the Canobolas Academy of the Clontarf Foundation with bat and ball to develop skills with the young Aboriginal men. Sport is a major component of the Clontarf program, and having such a high profile former player will surely provide some inspiration for them.

EARLIER this year I met with representatives of the Orange branch of the NSWs Police Association who sought my assistance in obtaining an increase to their front line. The number of uniformed first responders had not been increased in over 10 years, despite a significant increase in their workload.

I immediately contacted Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys and requested an additional four police officers for Orange Police Station’s front line. Since then I have worked in parliament by submitting a written question to the Minister for Police Troy Grant, contributed a notice of motion, and a private members statement. 

My colleague Robert Brown MLC assisted me by delivering a question without notice in the Legislative Council to Niall Blair MLC. I will continue to represent the men and women in blue be appropriately resourced to attend to a vital service to our community.

FOR nearly six months I have sought changes that would provide additional safety for the men and women of our emergency services. I have notified the government of the need to introduce an enforceable 40km/h speed limit in the vicinity of emergency services workers performing their duties on or near roads.

Both Minster for Roads Melinda Pavey and Minister for Police Troy Grant failed to act and their responses did not provide any assurance that the protection of our protectors would be provided. Sadly, two police officers have since been seriously injured at Leumeah when an approaching motor vehicle collided into them whilst performing their duties near the roadway.

I will continue to seek the implementation of these 40km/h zones for our protectors. Last week I commenced a petition which I will be seeking to obtain 10,000 signatures on to table in the Legislative Council of NSW Parliament. A debate will then ensue, to which the Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight will respond. I will vigorously prosecute this issue, as it is fundamentally the responsibility of the employer – the NSW Government – to provide a safe workplace.

I seek the assistance of our community in obtaining the requisite 10,000 signatures. For those willing to assist this important cause, the petition can be signed at my office at 123 Byng Street. Alternatively you can email my officer at orange@electorate.nsw.gov.au and I can email you a copy for you, your family and friends to complete.