I hope you're all enjoying the day with family and friends to celebrate being Aussies, whatever our heritage is.

The weather is looking good for a barbie and a bit of backyard cricket.

If you're out in the sun, make sure to slip, slop and slap. If you're out having a few bevvies, make sure you have a plan B so you get home safely. If you're out travelling on the road, please drive carefully. If you're in and around water, please be safe and exercise vigilance over those around you.

Cheers, Phil.

As many of you already know, I have been raising the issue of men's health and suicide, both in the NSW Parliament and here in our community. Blokes are notorious for bottling things up and burying their heads in the sand regarding their own physical and mental health.

Statistically, males represent three out of every four suicide deaths. Tragically, suicide occurs in every community, but more so out here in the country. A key to addressing this silent epidemic is getting guys to open up; I've found that gathering around a barbecue is a simple yet effective activity, and the perfect atmosphere, to get conversation flowing.

I've teamed-up with the charity Mr Perfect, which is a men's health initiative aimed at gathering guys around the barbecue once a month to become community-connected and talk with one another. I've agreed to be the Mr Perfect barbecue host in Orange for 2021. I'll be hosting the first barbecue at 12pm on Sunday, February 7 at Cook Park in Orange. It's a great opportunity for blokes to meet other blokes, chill out and have a friendly chat around the barbie. The barbecue is completely free of charge and I hope all you fellas can make it along.

For more information, visit https://mrperfect.org.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/misterperfectau

My office has received a growing number of calls from constituents whose driver's licence is imminently due for renewal but because of declared medical conditions their treating General Practitioner isn't deemed qualified to complete a fitness assessment report, despite their condition being suitably managed by their GP. Licence holders have been required by Transport for NSW to be assessed by a medical specialist.

The timeframe provided for the specialist medical assessment in this renewal process is insufficient for many people to get an appointment to be assessed. Many specialists are in Sydney and country folk are clearly not being considered.

Because people are unable to see specialists for the assessment before their licence expires, they become unlicenced and the challenges of living life here in the country, such as attending work, accessing goods and services, remaining engaged with community etc., are significantly increased.

Many people will also find this requirement cost prohibitive. This requirement and the short timeframe provided to meet this requirement is clearly city-centric and impractical.

I have raised this with the NSW Government, seeking urgent address. If you have experienced difficulties in being medically assessed during the period of renewal, please contact my office on 02 6362 5199 or orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au and let us know.

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