POLICE BRAVERY AND SERVICE AWARDED

Hawkesbury Police have been honoured at the New South Wales Police Force Medals and Awards ceremony conducted at Windsor RSL yesterday. Leader of the House John Aquilina MP and NSW Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney presented the awards and medals to members of the Hawkesbury, Penrith and Quakers Hill Local Area Commands. Among the local recipients were Constable Alan Perry, who with his partner, was responsible for disarming a knife wielding offender in Hobartville, and Constable Matt Zemitis from the Highway Patrol who was commended for his diligence in ensuring road safety in the Hawkesbury.

Constable Alan Perry , John Aquilina MP and Constable Matt Zemitis

CHURCH OPENING AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The recent opening of the new Church for the Parish of Blessed John XXlll in Stanhope Gardens has been hailed as a very significant event in north west Sydney during a speech to Parliament by the Leader of the House, Mr John Aquilina MP, Member for Riverstone. More than 1000 people attended the opening on Saturday 2 June, demonstrating the growth of the area’s population and the growing popularity of the Catholic Church in the Riverstone electorate.

Mr Aquilina spoke of the opening to the Parliament, praising the efforts of parish priest Father Paul Venticinque and informing the Legislative Assembly of the impact that his efforts have made in the community.

“Father Paul had a very challenging task in establishing a new parish and a new congregation, and he has done an admirable job. Just to give an indication of how fast the area is growing, the new church of Blessed John XXIII is also the focal religious centre of three schools that have been established in the area over the past five years, namely, Holy Cross Primary at Glenwood, the Blessed John XXIII Primary School at Stanhope Gardens and St Mark's High School, also at Stanhope Gardens,” Mr Aquilina said. 

He noted that the new church is a very important cultural centre as well as a religious centre for everyone. “I am very proud to be the representative of an area that is so closely knit: a multicultural community representing many persons from many different parts of the world—the Filipino community, the Korean community, the Sikh community, the Hindu community and, of course, indigenous Australians.”

His Lordship Rev Kevin Manning, Bishop of the Parramatta Diocese, Father Paul Venticinque from the Parish of Blessed John XXlll with Leader of the House Mr John Aquilina

SPORT FUNDING ON OFFER 

Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina MP, today encouraged Western Sydney councils, sporting groups and community groups to apply for funding to improve the local area’s sporting infrastructure. Mr Aquilina has announced that applications for the NSW Government’s Capital Assistance Program (CAP) and Regional Sports Facility Program (RSFP) were open today and will close on July 20. “These programs allow local sporting groups to apply for infrastructure upgrades such as netball courts, skate parks, shade structure, electronic scoreboard and improved lighting facilities,” said Mr Aquilina. “This year, under RSFP, $1.5 million will be available for local government. Not-for-profit community sporting organisations can apply for grants ranging from a minimum of $30,000 up to $300,000.

“Under CAP, $4 million will be available state-wide for grants of up to $30,000, with the average amount provided being around $10,000. Since 1999 CAP has contributed funding towards over 2,800 local sporting and recreational facilities. Last year under CAP and RSFP the seat of Riverstone received $49,000 towards:

• $14,000 – installation of solar blankets, Nirimba Education Precinct
• $15,000 – provision of high soccer screens and fencing, Glenwood Reserve
• $20,000 – provision of spectator seating and awning extension on amenities block, Corbin Reserve

“We have set a goal through the State Plan to increase participation in sporting activities by 10% by 2016. With the help of CAP and RSFP contributing towards new and improved facilities the Iemma Government will continue to bring greater access of facilities to the people of NSW,” said Mr Aquilina. “Since 2003, the NSW Government has spent more than $26 million on these programs, supporting hundreds of local communities for thousands of active residents. “RSFP has contributed towards the funding of over 200 projects to develop new sporting facilities of regional significance to broaden opportunities for participation in sport and recreation.

“The shared dates for CAP and RSFP will also help re-direct applications to the most appropriate program, should applicants mistakenly seek funds under the wrong program. They will be assessed concurrently, rather than at different times of the year. “For example, if an organisation submits an application for $50,000 under CAP, which has a maximum funding amount of $30,000, the application can then be easily re-directed to RSFP. Local groups which are interested in applying for the funding should contact their local MP. For more information, please phone NSW Sport and Recreation on 13 13 02 or visit the website at Department of Sport and Recreation

AQUILINA URGES NSW GOVERNMENT TO FUND LOCAL EDUCATION PROJECT

Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina is urging the NSW government to fund local education projects in next month’s State Budget. Treasurer Michael Costa will bring down the re-elected Iemma Government’s budget on 19 June. “I have been lobbying for some important education improvements, and I’m hopeful they will receive funding in the budget,” Mr Aquilina said. “In particular, I want the work to start on the upgrade at Nirimba TAFE College. “This project has the potential to improve the educational options for young people locally, alleviating the skills shortage and benefiting students and local employers.

Mr Aquilina said he had taken up the issue with the Minister for Education during the first week of Parliament. “I recognise as a former Education and Training Minister that there are many competing interests at budget time, but I think I’ve put up a good case,” Mr Aquilina said. “I have spoken to the Education and Training Minister John Della Bosca and I know he’s working hard to ensure we get some of these initiatives into the budget. “It’s not realistic for all commitments to be met just two months after the election, but some local initiatives can be addressed and they will make a real difference to local families.

“Last year’s budget education budget was a record $10.7 billion and invested in our children’s future by considerably increasing the number of school maintenance projects, boosting vocational training, making schools safer and improving the learning environments for students. “This demonstrates the Iemma Government’s commitment to providing the best facilities possible for NSW schools. “We have also increased school funding by 90 per cent – to $8 billion – since 1995. “I hope the next budget will deliver more good news for education and training,” he added

RIVERSTONE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENTER PARLIAMENT

Mr John Aquilina MP, Member for Riverstone was pleased to meet the school leaders from Riverstone High School in Parliament today. The school captains Samantha Prior and James Hall-Everingham visited Macquarie Street as part of the school leadership program which educates students about the workings of the New South Wales State Parliament.

Mr Aquilina, a former Minister for Education and Training, said that he was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with these young leaders of the future and to talk to them about the Parliament. Mr Aquilina recalled how his interest in Parliament resulted from a visit to Macquarie Street during a school excursion. “I was fascinated by the whole process and unique atmosphere of the Parliament. That fascination has continued to grow for the rest of my life, Mr Aquilina said. Mr Aquilina wished the students well and said that he hoped some day to see them taking a role as Parliamentary representatives.

MAY IS JELLY BEAN MONTH

It is not often that a seven year old writes a letter to their local Member of Parliament, so when little Vicky Kavasilas wrote to Mr John Aquilina MP, she was invited into the office to discuss her issue. Vicky Kavasilas is a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Ambassador, and has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for nearly six years.

Mr Aquilina met with Vicky Kavasilis at his Stanhope Gardens Electoral Office to learn more about this condition that strikes one in every 700 children in Australia and, unlike type 2 diabetes, has nothing to do with lifestyle. “Vicky is a lovely, confident young girl who is leading a normal life despite having Juvenile Diabetes, said Mr Aquilina.  “She participates in dancing and swimming like any other seven year old, but there are the underlying risks and complications associated with this increasingly common disease”

May is Jelly Baby Month where people are encouraged to buy a badge to support research into Juvenile Diabetes in the hope that further progress can be made into treatments. Vicky gave Mr Aquilina an insight into what it was like to live with Juvenile Diabetes and presented him with a badge to wear in Parliament during May.  “I congratulate Vicky and her parents for their work in raising awareness and funds during Jelly Baby Month. I encourage our community to support research into this disease” said Mr Aquilina.

JOHN AQUILINA APPOINTED AS LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina MP, has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Legaslative Assembly and Parliamentray Secretary to the Premier.

The Leader of the House is appointed by the Government to manage the Government business in the Legislative Assembly. The Leader sets and arranges the Government legislative program and is the Government's main spokesperson on procedural matters.

“I am pleased to serve the Government in this capacity” said Mr Aquilina.

“The Government has made a decision that in the spirit of Parliamentary reform it would nominate an Independent Member of Parliament as Speaker. I have accepted this decision as part of making the Parliament inclusive of all members.”

The Premier has also requested that I use my extensive experience in Parliamentary processes and procedures on the floor of the House so as to provide leadership and assistance, particularly to the many new Ministers and members elected to the 54^th Parliament of New South Wales”, said Mr Aquilina.

As Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Mr Aquilina will work with the Premiers Office and Premiers Department in relation to issues requiring close or urgent attention. He will assist the Premier with communications with Ministers, attendance at functions and in replies to Ministerial and public inquiries.

Mr Aquilina has been a Member of Parliament since September 1981. He has served as Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Youth and Community Services, Minister Assisting the Premier on Ethnic Affairs, Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Fair Trading and Minister for Land and Water Conservation.

John was also Shadow Minister for Education and Training for seven years, Shadow Leader of the House for two years and most recently the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for four years.

HORSEPOWER ON DISPLAY

Gleaming chrome and shining paintwork were on display at the recent Maltese Australian Carnival Car and Bike Show Day.

Organised by the Hamrun Association, the Carnival Day was held at the Hamrun Club in Jackson Road, Marsden Park on Sunday, April 29, 2007.

Hamrun Association patron Mr John Aquilina MP, was on hand to present the trophies to the winners of the competition categories including the winner of the best car to Mr Dominic D’Agostino from Picton with his stunning red Chevrolet.

Now in its tenth year, the successful carnival day attracted a crowd of motoring enthusiasts.

Mr Aquilina admired the efforts and attention to detail of all of the competitors in the Bike and Car Show Day. “This is always a great family day, and it is an opportunity to appreciate the enormous effort which goes into the presentation of these vehicles,” Mr Aquilina said. “The high standard of all the entries is a credit to all the competitors”.

Mr Aquilina praised the organisers of the event and thanked the major sponsors, the Vella brothers from Eastern Creek Smash and Mechanical Repairs. “I trust that none of the vehicles on display will be requiring the sponsor’s services,"  Mr Aquilina joked.

Other activities at the Carnival were a pool and snooker competition, all day entertainment and a chocolate wheel. Part of the proceeds for the day were donated to Westmead Children’s Hospital.

 Motorbike category winner, Frank Delia from Blacktown with John

 DECLARATION OF THE POLLS

John Aquilina MP has officially been declared elected by the Riverstone Returning Officer Wilf van Emmerik.

The final announcement was made yesterday by the Returning Officer, who proclaimed the successful candidate was elected with 24 925 votes out of 41 493 giving him 60.07% on a two party preferred basis.

The election victory is the eighth for Mr Aquilina, who also regards it as one of the most important.

“The Riverstone Boundary changes made this campaign challenging, and I am humbled by the widespread support that I have received from the older part of the electorate as well as from my new constituency, said Mr Aquilina.

“I am looking forward to continuing to represent the people of Riverstone and to improving the infrastructure, services and facilities of our area.”

The election result was decisive with Mr Aquilina receiving 53.63% of first preference votes compared to 35.11% from the next highest candidate.

Mr Aquilina was also a clear winner in the postal, absentee and pre poll votes.

  TERRA SANCTA COLLEGE AT SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP today welcomed students from Terra Sancta College who were in NSW Parliament attending the Catholic Secondary Schools Leadership program.

“It is good to see one of our leading local schools so well represented in this leadership program,” said Mr Aquilina.

The students attended seminars and were given extensive tours of the Parliament before visiting Government House and meeting with Her Excellency, the Governor.

Pictured: Annabelle Chee, Juliane Samonte, Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP, Martha Aragon and Scott Randall.

  NEW POLICE STATION FOR QUAKERS HILL

John Aquilina today welcomed the Iemma Government’s announcement of a new and improved police station for Quakers Hill. Mr Aquilina said the improved accommodation would be a significant boost to local police in their efforts to drive down crime and protect the community.

“The Iemma Government is committed to giving our police officers appropriate facilities and accommodation to ensure they work in a safe, modern, comfortable environment,” Mr Aquilina said. “I know hardworking families appreciate the efforts of our local police in protecting this community. The new police station will also help police provide extra services and support to the people of Riverstone."

“Whilst buildings themselves do not drive down crime, improving police accommodation is critical to supporting the services provided by our officers. This project is another example of this Government’s ongoing commitment to the improvement of police facilities.”

“It will deliver support to operational police as well as having real benefits to the local community. I’m determined to see that our police continue to receive the resources and accommodation which best suits modern police operations.”

Mr Aquilina said the new police station for Quakers Hill is part of the Iemma Government’s $215 million package for upgrading, replacing and refurbishing 33 police stations across NSW. “The Iemma Government has committed to adding a total of 1500 new police to the NSW Police Force by 2011, and the first 750 are already on the beat,” Mr Aquilina said.

“As part of that commitment, we’ll deploy 461 new officers to specialist roles and 1,039 officers to our local police stations. That means the necessary work of building extra capacity into our police stations is more important than ever."

“This Government is committed to new and improved services for NSW. On the other hand, the out-of-touch Member for Vaucluse plans to run down vital public services by sacking 20,000 workers. This will affect one in seven police and put more of them behind desks rather than on the frontline where they are needed most.”

JOHN AQUILINA DELIVERS FOR RAIL AND BUS COMMUTERS

John Aquilina MP has dealt with transport issues over the last few days, solving teething problems on the T-Way, securing an access lift for Quakers Hill Railway station and announcing the upgrade of Windsor railway station.

While being generally well received, there have been concerns arising from the changed conditions with the substituation of the Busways 735 express service to the city by the 616 Hillsbus service.

Mr Aquilina caught the 6:10am 616X bus service this morning to announce to passengers that he had successfully resolved the issues surrounding the abolition of the weekly discount ticket and unnecessary stops and detours.

The news that Quakers Hill Railway station is set to get its long awaited access lift under a re-elected Iemma Government has been well received. As new track is installed, the station will also be completely upgraded. Mr Aquilina said Quakers Hill Railway Station had been nominated to receive the access lift for a major upgrade as part of the Iemma Government’s Action Stations Program. Also set to benefit from Action Stations is Windsor Railway Station with the announcement of a bus and rail interchange, increased commuter parking and easy access ramps.

“The upgrade will include the existing bus interchange, commuter car park and kiss and ride facilities to provide smoother and more convenient movement between rail, bus, cars and taxis.

“The Action Stations plan will create better access to rail services for parents with prams, people with a disability and the elderly, “I am very happy with this result after months of negotiation,” Mr Aquilina said.

Additionally, the increasing number of passengers at Mulgrave station can look forward to the completion of the new station building.

PIRATES RECEIVE $20,000 GRANT

Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP enjoyed watching some baseball on Sunday before presenting the Quakers Hill Pirates Baseball Club with a cheque for $20,000.

The money was obtained under a Grant from the NSW State Government's 2006/2007 Capital Assistance Program, where $4 million was distributed throughout NSW for community and sporting groups to spend on infrastructure, equipment and renovations.

The Pirates Baseball Club are based at Corbin Reserve in Quakers Hill, and had applied for the grant for seating and an awning extension near the canteen to provide members with improved seating and shade. 

“I am delighted to be able to assist the Pirates in obtaining this grant,” said Mr Aquilina. “The Pirates Baseball Club has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, winning the Club of the Year in 2007 and continuing increasing in player and spectator numbers.

“Congratulations on your successful application,” he said. Blacktown City Council will match this Grant by also contributing $20,000 to the project. “I congratulate Blacktown City Council for continuing to invest in the fantastic sporting facilities of this city,” said Mr Aquilina. The project is scheduled for completion during the 2007 winter.

Mr Aquilina was also instrumental in obtaining a grant of $15,000 for the Glenwood Redback Soccer Club for high soccer screens and fencing

NEW HALL FOR VARDYS ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL

The new school hall at Vardys Road Public School has been officially opened by NSW Speaker and Member for Riverstone John Aquilina, MP. 

The $2 million project included the construction of the hall, a new canteen, a new covered outdoor learning area (COLA), landscaping and associated works. Mr Aquilina said he was thrilled the construction work had been completed and students and staff could now enjoy the new facilities. 

“This new accommodation will be of great benefit to generations of staff and students, providing a permanent resource for the school,” Mr Aquilina said. “The new hall will provide a space for performances, assemblies and community events such as open days and fetes. “It will give the school greater flexibility in planning and organising events both for pupils and within the wider community,” he said. 

“The COLA will allow staff greater flexibility in conducting lessons, so that students can have the opportunity to learn outdoors. “These new facilities will significantly improve the learning environment for both students and teachers. “They are another demonstration of the State Government’s commitment to students and teachers in NSW public schools. “I encourage all students to take full advantage of all that Vardys Road Public School has to offer and I offer my very best wishes for their future endeavours,” Mr Aquilina said

HEALTH ‘ONE STOP SHOP’ A STEP CLOSER FOR ROUSE HILL

Rouse Hill is a step closer to a new HealthOne NSW service which brings together local GPs and other health professionals, Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, said today.

Mr Hatzistergos said the HealthOne NSW  ‘one stop shops’ provide team based care for patients in the community by linking GPs, community and allied health staff together to provide better care for patients.

Mr Hatzistergos was joined at the announcement by the Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina. “This is good news for the people of Rouse Hill,” Mr Hatzistergos said. “It’s a credit to the Hawkesbury Division of General Practice, local GPs and the Sydney West Area Health Service that their proposal has been shortlisted. “I’d like to pay tribute to John Aquilina for fighting hard to bring new and improved services to families living in Rouse Hill. “The next step will be the commencement of planning to identify the range of services that could be provided at the new service.”

Mr Hatzistergos said the Iemma Government is delivering new and improved services with a $25 million commitment to roll out more ‘one stop shops’ across NSW. 

“We are also looking at opportunities to provide after-hours GP care as part of the suite of services to be provided by some of these new HealthOne NSW  services.

Mr Hatzistergos said HealthOne NSW services will focus on health promotion, early intervention and illness prevention, as well as continuing care for those with chronic and complex conditions. “The aim is to keep people well and out of hospital,” Mr Hatzistergos said.

“This will result in better care for patients, improved access to services, more efficient use of resources and increased job satisfaction for health care professionals.  

“This is fantastic news for families in north west Sydney – I’ll continue to fight to make sure our voice is heard,” Mr Aquilina said

John with Minister John Hatzistergos

GOVERNMENT HELPS SOUTH WINDSOR COMPANY SLASH ENERGY USE

NSW Government grants totalling $342,000 will help a major manufacturing company to slash energy use at its South Windsor plant, Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP said today.

The grants have been offered to packaging producer Huhtamaki to introduce new energy efficient technology. Mr Aquilina said $190,000 was earmarked for the installation of energy efficient technology to the production line.

Compared to the conventional alternative, the new equipment will save 661 megawatt hours of energy and 651 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year – equivalent to taking 145 cars off the road.

Huhtamaki will also be offered $152,000 towards a second project to save a further 553 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year (equivalent to taking 120 cars off the road). The energy saving program involves downsizing one of the compressors, introducing new machinery to reduce manufacturing waste and installing energy monitors.

“Huhtamaki Australia is an important business in this area. It is great to see they are taking their environmental responsibilities very seriously,” Mr Aquilina said. “Climate change is a very important issue for the people of the Hawkesbury, as it is across the world. Businesses, like families and government, should play their part in reducing greenhouse gases.

“So far, $28.3 million has been allocated to 49 projects tipped to save 139,000 megawatt hours of electricity a year and more than 150,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent to taking 33,500 cars off the road.

“The Energy Savings Fund is unique in Australia and is one of a number of government strategies to tackle the effects of climate change,” said Mr Aquilina.

AQUILINA DELIVERS FOR EDUCATION IN RIVERSTONE

Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP, has welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt that $6.39 million is to be spent on education facilities within the Riverstone electorate.

Minister Tebbutt announced funding for a new Library Building and improved staff facilities at Windsor Public School, an upgrade to the science laboratories and a new security fence for Riverstone High School and major capital works at Nirimba TAFE.

“I am happy that the Minister has responded to my appeals for the funding of these substantial infrastructure projects”, Mr Aquilina said.

“The Library is a big win for Windsor Public School, and the new permanent library will replace the decades old demountable building.

“I have only represented Windsor for a short period of time, but after listening to the concerns of residents, parents and the Hawkesbury City Council, I lobbied for this much needed piece of infrastructure for this historic school,” Mr Aquilina said.

Mr Aquilina welcomed the announcement that the students and teachers of Riverstone High were set to benefit from an upgrade to science laboratories.

“As a former teacher, I know the importance of science in the curriculum, said Mr Aquilina.

“Projects that help more young people to enjoy science lessons and consider a career in science are worth every cent.”

The Riverstone community will benefit greatly from the new security fencing at Riverstone High School that will reduce vandalism and enhance safety.

Also a big winner in today’s announcement was Nirimba TAFE with major capital works planned to improve facilities for Building & Architecture, IT, Performance, College Administration, the Learning Resource Centre, and the construction of a New Main Entrance.

DIANE BEAMER

RECYCLED WATER GRID BOOSTS LOCAL RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES

Premier Morris Iemma’s ambitious new plan to construct a recycled water grid for Sydney to pump billions of litres of recycled water to new homes and industries will link local recycling projects with the rest of Sydney, Riverstone MP John Aquilina said today.

Mr Aquilina said the grid was the centrepiece of our plans to increase the use of recycled water in Sydney from the present 22 billion litres a year to about 100 billion litres a year over the next 25 to 30 years.

“A key component of the grid is the Rouse Hill-Castle Hill recycled water zone,” Mr Aquilina said.

“This zone includes the Rouse Hill residential recycled water area; the north-west growth corridor; Castle Hill and Richmond Golf Courses; and the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury,” Mr Aquilina said.

“The Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme already provides recycled water to more than 16,000 homes and ultimately to 36,000 homes, making it the largest residential recycling scheme in Australia.

“This includes homes in the electorate of Riverstone located in the suburbs of Glenwood, Acacia Gardens, Stanhope Gardens, the Newbury Estate and The Ponds.

“The grid will allow other areas to replicate the success of the Rouse Hill scheme right across Sydney.”

Mr Aquilina said the recycled water grid, together with the other initiatives the Iemma Government was putting in place, would prevent the people of Sydney from needing to drink recycled sewage.

“The Iemma Government will also provide $100 million to connect businesses, councils and other projects to the grid,” Mr Aquilina said.

“By creating a recycled water grid, the Iemma Government will open up areas to new projects which would not have been feasible.

 “At the moment in Sydney there are a number of individual recycling plants and projects, but this grid will link those plants together to bring recycled water to where the customers are.

“It will take water to big industrial users where they would otherwise have to use precious drinking water. It will also allow new housing developments to use recycled water for toilet flushing and outdoor use.”

“The Government will also introduce a Recycled Water State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) that will require scheduled major new developments to use recycled water if they are located adjacent to the recycled water grid.”

BUS SERVICES BOOSTED WITH NORTH-WEST T-WAY

Member for Riverstone, John Aquilina MP, today unveiled details of the $524 million upcoming North-West T-way bus services at the opening of the Burns Road T-Way station.

“The Iemma Labor Government is getting on with the job of investing in major pieces of infrastructure to keep Sydney moving,” Mr Aquilina said. “The $524m North-West T-way is one of the largest ever investments in public transport for Sydney’ s North West. This is a massive win for our community.

“With the $1.5 billion M7 and $500 million Windsor Road upgrade, this new T-way is another major project that will improve transport infrastructure in North-West Sydney,” Mr Aquilina said.