I was very pleased to attend Redfield College earlier this month for the commencement of the North-West Schools Rugby Championship. The opening match of the championship was held between Redfield College and William Clarke College. NWSRC is an exciting new schools-based Rugby Union competition aimed at revitalising Rugby Union across the region. The championship is founded on the principles of local growth, rugby resurgence, and community unity. With the participation of esteemed schools such as Redfield, William Clarke, Arndell Anglican, Rouse Hill Anglican, Pacific Hills Christian School, and Penrith Anglican, NWSRC will showcase thrilling competition across three divisions. Good luck to all teams for the season ahead.

What an honour it was to participate in the 23rd annual Cancer Council Hills Relay for Life. The Relay for Life is a global movement bringing communities together to fight back against cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember lost loved ones to the disease. 

Over 100 teams and over 850 people participated in the 24-hour event. Teams set up tents to camp overnight, ensuring there was always someone from their team on the track. Since the first Relay in The Hill this wonderful community has raised $5 million in the fight against cancer. The care, strength, and selflessness of this community shone through once again in the rally to support the Relay. 

A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the Hills Relay for Life Committee Chairperson Lisa Carruthers and all of the committee members who have worked tirelessly over the last year to make this event possible. Thank you to the sponsors, volunteers, local organisations, and businesses who continue to support the Relay for Life in The Hills. And thank you to the members of the community who supported, sponsored, and dedicated time to this event and to the fight against cancer.

It was a pleasure to host a morning tea for Justices of the Peace who have achieved 50 years’ service in 2023. In April, the Department of Communities and Justice and the Attorney General, The Hon Michael Daley, held a ceremony at Parliament House to thank these JPs across New South Wales. Nine local residents of Castle Hill, Mr Noel Love, Mr Daniel O'Dea, Mr Cecil Fisher, Mr Douglas McClymont, Mr Ross Page, Mr Brian Pusep, Mr Terry Manderson, Mr John Maker, and Mr Valerie Evans, were all acknowledged for their 50 years' continual service as Justices of the Peace. It was an honour to have the Federal Member for Mitchell and the Mayor of the Hills Shire Council in attendance, as well as Ian Gilbertson, as a representative from the NSW Justice of the Peace Association. I would like to congratulate the JPs and thank them for their continued and dedicated service to The Hills community.