On Friday I attended the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) Mayors Forum in Canberra where we were joined by Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Topics discussed at the forum included export and freight opportunities, economic, infrastructure and freight opportunities, waste management as well as sport, culture and wellbeing initiatives.

On Saturday I attended a Men’s Breakfast in Young with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and spoke about Armistice Day. I thanked St John’s Parish for the invitation to attend this enjoyable event for the men of the community.

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On Sunday I visited the Young Show. There was a great range of exhibits and large crowds, which was very pleasing.

On Wednesday, September 12 we held a village workshop in Koorawatha. The workshop was well attended by residents and Councillors with discussion surrounding Koorawatha falls, roads, waste and dangerous trees. The next village workshop will be held in Maimuru on October 17. I enjoyed speaking last weekend at the Boorowa Landcare Dinner celebrating the Bridges to Boorowa partnership with North Sydney Bushcare.

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Building Bridges to Boorowa is an annual tree planting weekend held in Boorowa that aims to rehabilitate degraded farmland by addressing issues of erosion and salinity and to provide habitat for the vulnerable Superb Parrot and other native animals.  I congratulate all those involved in this initiative for their contribution over the past 19 years.

The RU OK? Conversation Convoy visited Young last week. This was a timely reminder that mental health and suicide prevention is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

I express my thanks to the Boorowa Business Chamber for having me as their guest speaker this week,