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March 2026
Welcome to this month's community update!
Each month, I share local news, events, achievements and information to keep you updated with what's happening in our area. Whether it's celebrating local success stories or highlighting where to find support, this newsletter is all about you - our community
It also has important information about what my Government is doing to serve you.
If your organisation has an upcoming event, fundraiser or milestone you'd like to share, please email me: [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!
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Important Fuel Supply Update
I understand that everyone is doing it tough with increasing fuel costs.
We cannot control global events, but we can take steps to get ahead of the issue and be prepared for any situation.
We are tackling this shortage by:
- Working alongside the Federal Government on the National Fuel Security Plan
- We are committed to foregoing GST revenue on windfall gains from high fuel prices and getting that money back to consumers.
- Halving the fuel excise for three months – cutting the cost of fuel by 26 cents a litre
- Introducing temporary freight measures to keep goods moving
- Creating the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre to monitor fuel supply
- Launching Statewide fuel price compliance blitz
We will announce more measures and further steps as the situation unfolds. We will continue to keep you updated as we plan for the future.
As Premier, I am doing everything within my power to ensure that fuel is reaching the communities, families and businesses that need it the most.
Fuel Check
We understand this is a stressful time, but it’s important that people only purchase the fuel they need.
The NSW FuelCheck app lets you compare petrol prices in real time so you can find the cheapest fuel near you before filling up.
It’s a simple tool helping drivers across NSW keep more money in their pockets.
With petrol prices high, every dollar counts.
The NSW FuelCheck app is a simple way we’re helping families and local businesses save. Download the app on your phone or access it here: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au.
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Rental Reforms
Before the election, I committed to improving the lives of renters, and now, we are delivering on the reforms they need.
We are listening, implementing the changes that deliver real cost-of-living relief, making the rules simpler and fairer for the 2.3 million renters in NSW.
My Government has:
- Abolished no ground evictions
- Capped rental increases to once a year
- Established the NSW Rental Taskforce
- Created a Portable Bonds Scheme – meaning that your bonds move with you
- Strengthened protections for domestic violence survivors
As Premier, I understand that renters are doing it tough, and that is why we have been hard at work delivering the most significant rental reforms in a decade, after 12 years of neglect under the Liberal Government.
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Kingsgrove Preschool Under Construction!
Recently, I visited Kingsgrove Public School to turn the sod on their new preschool. It is one of our 100 public fee-free preschools.
Kingsgrove Preschool will be ready for enrolments by early next year.
We’re now more than 3/4 of the way into our promise to deliver these preschools, and we’re not slowing down.
For too long, families have struggled to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. We’re changing that by building fee-free public preschools right alongside public schools to make life easier for parents and give every child the opportunity to thrive.
Under the Liberal-National Government, not a single public preschool was built in twelve years.
We're building 100 - because every child in NSW deserves access to early learning, no matter where they live.
Carss Park Pool - Designs Released
Before I became Premier, I promised we would rebuild Carss Park Pool.
Today, I wanted you to get the first look at what our brand new community pool will look like.
The $63.5 million Carss Park Pool will feature an 8-lane, 50m outdoor pool, a 20m Learn to Swim pool, as well as change rooms and toilet blocks, providing our community with a new modern facility.
The designs for our new pool look incredible and I’m excited to be getting on with the job of delivering the pool we deserve.
The next steps will be to appoint a builder with construction set to start this year, and the pool open to the public from 2027.
I want to thank each and every member of our community who joined our campaign to rebuild Carss Park Pool.
To keep up to date with Carss Park Pool and what else is going on in our community, sign up here.
Kogarah Public School
As a part of my Government's plan to rebuild public education, construction is underway to upgrade Kogarah Public School.
The majority of in-ground works for the new buildings are now complete. The main communication room was upgraded to receive new equipment for the new buildings. The tower crane has also been erected.
The upgrades will more than double the permanent capacity at this school.
This project is long overdue, and I am really excited for the teachers, parents and students that will finally be able to experience world-class facilities in our local area, when they are open, day one, term one, 2027.
First look at Hurstville Pedestrian Bridge
This new pedestrian bridge across Forest Road will be fitted with accessibility lifts on both sides.
I’ll continue to work with the school community to deliver this bridge, because no one should have to take a risk just to get to school or go about their day.
To sign up for updates, click here.
Kempt Field Update
The $11.8 million remediation project is addressing long-standing subsidence issues that arose from uncontrolled waste buried beneath the public reserve that was previously a privately owned waste landfill site.
The remediation is almost complete, and to expedite this, work is taking place six days a week. 25% of the site has been turfed, with final landscaping on track to commence in May.
Kempt Field is expected to be completed in June of this year.
We are looking forward to returning the park to the community in the near future.
Public Schools across the State lifting HSC results
Congratulations Blakehurst High School!
Public High Schools across NSW have been recognised for driving academic success, showing outstanding results in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
I would especially like to congratulate local school Blakehurst High School, one of the 45 public schools identified in a major analysis showing the most improved HSC results over six years.
Schools were recognised for demonstrating consistent growth over seven years, with increased HSC results and improved outcomes for non-ATAR students.
These results show what can really be achieved when teachers are able to focus their time and expertise in the classroom. Teachers in Kogarah and across the State are quietly and consistently turning potential into achievement, bettering the lives of many.
Road Works In Kogarah
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E-Bike Reforms
Nothing matters more than keeping our kids safe. As more young people jump on e-bikes, we need to make sure every device on our roads and footpaths are safe, legal and fit for purpose.
E-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles, which can increase the force involved in a crash, heighten the risk of serious injury, and make them more difficult to control and manoeuvre.
My Government is introducing further reforms to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and the wider community, including:
- Investigating new minimum age requirements for children.
- Adopting new safety standards in line with the EU.
- New powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes.
- A trial of portable ‘dyno units’ to measure e-bike speed in roadside compliance checks.
- Introduced new standards for lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of fires associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.
Solar Panels in Kogarah
NSW leads the country in rooftop solar with more than 1 million homes and businesses that now have rooftop solar – a third of all NSW homes.
When the sun is shining, rooftop solar is producing more power than all of our coal fired power stations. In the final quarter of last year, rooftop solar and solar farms combined provided 32% of our state’s electricity.
An average 4-person household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.
Click on the below link to find out more about financial support, rebates and incentives that can help cut down on your energy bills.
Financial support: rebates, grants and incentives | NSW Climate and Energy Action
500,000 Potholes Filled in NSW
Since coming in to government, my Government has filled over 500,000 potholes across NSW.
So far this financial year, we’ve filled 106,000 potholes across the regions. This lifts the share of pothole-free state-managed roads across regional NSW to 82%.
That work is supported by $155 million in accelerated funding that has boosted the regional road maintenance budget to $1.25 billion this year.
My Government is getting on with the work of delivering for our regions, and delivering smoother, safer journeys, no matter where you drive.
Cracking down on underquoting
My Government is introducing tough new laws cracking down on underquoting. Underquoting is when an agent advertises a home at a misleading lower price, leaving buyers tricked into thinking a property is in budget.
It is not fair, and its plain wrong.
Real estate agents being caught doing the wrong thing will face penalties of up to $110,00 or three times the commission, whatever is greater.
These reforms are a significant step forward in protecting home buyers from dodgy real estate agents taking advantage of a tight market.
As Premier, I know fixing our housing system will take time, but my Government is working to deliver a better and fairer plan for the future.
8,500 More homes in NSW
Right above a new metro station and minutes from the CBD, my Government is delivering thousands of homes where people actually need them - close to work, close to services and close to transport.
This is city-shaping renewal, delivering thousands of new homes alongside open space, jobs, culture and waterfront access.
And importantly, this precinct will include affordable and essential worker housing from day one, so nurses, teachers, paramedics and police can live closer to the communities they serve.
We're working hard to build a better NSW, and our plan for Bays West is a big part of that.
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As your State Member of Parliament, I will always stand up for you and your family.
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Please fill out my community survey above to let me know what is important to you.
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Community Recognition Statements
It has been my honour to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of some of our most valued community members.
Their contribution to our local area will now be forever recorded on the Parliamentary Hansard.
Those recognised this month include:
If you would like to nominate someone who you think deserves recognition for the selfless work they do for our community, please email [email protected]
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HealthDirect
HealthDirect Provides free instant health advice anytime, anywhere.
If you are unwell or injured, this is your first step to access healthcare, anywhere. You’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you access the care you need, day or night.
Contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant health advice anywhere, anytime, across NSW.
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Celebrating Lunar New Year
In February, I joined the Lunar New Year festivities at Hurstville, alongside Minister for Multiculturalism The Hon. Steve Kamper MP and Georges River Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, as we welcomed the Year of the Horse and in particular, the dynamic and powerful Fire Horse.
With vibrant cultural performances, traditional music, and delicious food shared among friends and families this event highlighted the rich diversity and strong community spirit that makes our region so special.
It was fantastic to see so many residents enjoy the entertainment and embracing the energy, strength and good fortune that the Year of the Fire Horse symbolises.
Thank you to everyone who helped organise this wonderful event and to all who attended to make it such a memorable occasion. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Ramadan Iftar
I was humbled to join the Turkish community, who welcomed me in the spirit of peace to share a meal with them.
I had the pleasure of joining this vibrant group of Australians, devoted to their family and community, strengthened by the practice of their faith.
It should go without saying but I want to make it clear that New South Wales is full of wonderful, hardworking, patriotic Australians of Muslim faith who love this country, are a big part of its future, and who have contributed enormously to our place and standing today.
We are a better, richer, more diverse country for you being a part of it.
Thank you for having me and thank you for extending the hand of friendship.
I wish you all a Blessed Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Happy Holi!
I want to look back on a wonderful and joyous celebration of Holi last month.
Holi is one of the most colourful and vibrant events on the global calendar, and we’re proud to celebrate this fantastic Hindu tradition here in NSW.
I had the privilege to spend my evening in Blacktown where thousands of people gathered together with an amazing outpouring of happiness, love, and colour of course!
Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the power of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
Hindu Australians are such a valued part of our communities and have made so many contributions to our great state.
Happy Holi!
Greek Festival
 
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - celebrating the more than 141,000 Greek Australians who are proud to call NSW home.
The waves of Greek migration that came to Australia brought us a vibrant culture, and wonderful food - democracy itself was born as a result of the waves of Greek culture spread throughout the world.
So today, in 2026 as we look back on generations of migration from Greece, we can say with absolute certainty that we know what a great Australia looks like. It is community coming together to celebrate our rich history.
I hope everyone enjoyed what was a wonderful Greek festival.
Καλησπέρα!
Lunar New Year Card Competition
For the last 7 years, I’ve been holding a competition for local school students to design my annual Lunar New Year card, and this year was our biggest year yet with more than 650 entries.
In line with the Chinese Zodiac, this year’s theme was the Fire Horse – an animal that only appears once every 60 years and represents passion, vitality and brightness.
I want to thank all the schools, language schools, all the community organisations, and of course all the kids who contributed to this competition. I would like to especially thank our judges Jan Schuster-Callus, Sarah Kalidis, and Lousie Zhang.
Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who entered.
Kogarah's Local Woman of the Year
I wish to congratulate Mrs Lai Fong Teng (Miranda) for receiving the Local Kogarah Woman of the Year award for 2026. Mrs Teng is dedicated to her community. She has volunteered at the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple for more than 25 years and currently serves as President of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Mudita. Miranda also mentors younger generations through the BLIA Sydney Kogarah Scout Group, instilling values of respect and responsibility. Her service has made her a pillar of the community and an inspiring role model, and I commend her for the work she has done for our community.
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