It is disappointing that the member for Orange continues to misconstrue facts.
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Time and time again I have acknowledged the Member for Orange and I make a personal effort to ensure he is invited to official openings which are organised by NSW Government Ministers.
I stand by my statements however that as he is not a Member of the NSW Government, and it is not his role to make NSW Government funding announcements.
My role, as a member of the NSW Government is to ensure we follow through on commitments made and to represent Minister's in our communities.
The Member can make personal swipes towards me, but I will not stand for the hard work of local organisations and the great news of local projects being funded being dragged through the mud for the sake of an ego, that's not my style.
I also do not lie, and therefore would like to fact check some statements made in his comment piece Matters of State | Announcement snubs won't deter hard work behind scenes, published in the Central Western Daily on November 10.
First of all it was great for the local community to be able to celebrate the opening of The Orchard, a truly marvellous facility that will change the lives of many throughout the years. Since coming into parliament I have been very supportive of the great work Housing Plus are doing across the Central West and am always pleasantly surprised with the heart and soul they put into all of their buildings and services.
I was invited to the event by Housing Plus, as I assume all guests there on that day were to observe the opening and view the facilities.
I was not there to speak with the media, nor did I have any expectation to participate in the official ribbon cutting as that was the role of the Attorney General and Minister for Community services along with the Member for Calare who was representing the Federal Government.
This project will be a legacy for Orange and if anyone should be congratulated for their efforts in making it happen it should be the local volunteers and domestic violence advocates, the staff at Housing Plus and the former Member for Orange, now Federal Member for Calare The Hon. Andrew Gee who began this journey many years ago.
The official ribbon cutting of the Orange Courthouse is much the same story. I was invited by the Attorney General to attend, I even personally ensured that the Member for Orange was also invited once the date and time had been confirmed.
I did not participate in the ribbon cutting nor did I speak with the media on the day, it wasn't my role. I was simply there to learn more about what had been done and what a great project this was for the staff and members of the community who utilise the courthouse.
I did send out a joint media release with the Attorney General on the day but anyone can send out a media release.
Community advocacy is much more than writing a letter, making a speech in parliament or posting on social media.
My advocacy and support for community projects and particularly for our regional shows & showgrounds goes far beyond my first year in Parliament.
As a delegate to the Western Group of Shows and president of the Royal Bathurst Show for 10 years I have been advocating and fighting for projects like the Naylor Pavilion for many years now.
I too am passionate about Orange. I am passionate about all of regional NSW thriving into the future and I am willing to help community groups, businesses and Councils work with Government to ensure their needs are met and their voices heard.
Whilst I don't have the same numbers of staff, the same budgets and the same electors as a local MP, I do have the same passion to make a difference. I will help in any way I can to do this and learn more about our communities along the way.
I like to celebrate the wins of our communities, these projects aren't about me, they aren't about the Member for Orange, these great projects are about making a positive difference to people's lives long after we leave these positions.
Sam Farraway, MLC
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