It’s been great to spend time everywhere from Narrabri to Nyngan, and Parkes to Lake Cargelligo in the past couple of weeks during the parliamentary winter recess.

Early in July, I caught up with Cobar Public School and Lightning Ridge Central School during their visit to Parliament House. These are the students who might one day be sitting in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and it’s a pleasure to see their smiling faces in Canberra.

After the last day in Parliament, I came home to Gunnedah and was there for the official opening of the Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility, a much-needed new facility that is a great outcome for Gunnedah.

The parliamentary recess was also a good time to hear from our communities about the impacts of the Federal Government’s decision to axe the Inland Rail north of Parkes, after many years of preparation and planning. I have visited Parkes, Narrabri and Baradine already to meet with businesses, families and councillors about the disastrous impact of this decision and will continue to listen to what communities throughout the electorate have to say.

I visited Narromine Quarry Products, where the owners showed me just how much time and resources they had already put into preparing for the promised Inland Rail.

I am preparing a submission for Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and feedback gathered from our communities will be vital in building this submission.

Those impacted can join those calling on Labor to reverse this decision, finish Inland Rail and back our regions by signing the petition: https://action.nationa.ls/rescue-our-rail

I have also held mobile office sessions in Gilgandra and Nyngan. Mobile office days are drop-in sessions to catch up with those who might not be able to make it to one of my offices across the electorate, and to chat to people in their own communities. Thanks to all those who came along to see me.

Other events in July included a chat about Camp Cypress with locals in Baradine; a visit to the wonderful Nyngan Ag Expo; and time at the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum to see their plans for additions to showcase Parkes’ aviation history. Lachlan Shire welcomed its newest Australian citizens at a ceremony in Condoblin. It was inspirational to see so many people choosing to make their new home in this great country.

I joined my NSW colleague Sarah Mitchell MLC in Lake Cargelligo to meet with local community members and hear about the challenges they face accessing health and aged care services. Unfortunately, both these areas remain a significant concern across the electorate and beyond, and I intend to continue to hold the government to account to find solutions for these issues.

I have also been to events at Warren and Burrima, and a number of really lovely events in Gilgandra – including story time at Gilgandra Library and lunch with the Gilgandra RSL sub-branch. This was followed up by a meeting with Bogan Shire Council representatives and a visit to the Nyngan Men’s Shed. A big shout out to Nyngan and Gunnedah Men’s Sheds, along with the Gunnedah Woodworkers, who have all created their own community groups that are deeply loved by their members.

Throughout my travels in the Parkes electorate, I continue to be impressed and inspired by the work individuals, families, organisations and businesses do to improve their communities.