Country North Province Newsletter

From Paddocks to Parliament, a month of purpose and people!

May has been a month of movement across electorates, committees, and communities. From the Federal Election campaign trail to sitting weeks, renewable energy zone site visits, PFAS hearings, and the inspiring Pathfinders Pumpkin Run, there has been no shortage of important conversations and powerful moments with the community.

As always, thank you for your support and encouragement. Whether we are meeting on the ground in regional NSW or debating legislation in Parliament, I remain deeply committed to listening, advocating, and delivering for our communities.

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss any updates!

Warm regards,

Aileen MacDonald MLC

Shadow Minister for Youth Justice

Province Representative for Country North NSW

What's in this Newsletter

Renewable Energy Zones Inquiry
Learning from the USA - PFAS Hearings
Pumpkin Run and Youth Empowering
Country North Province Fundraiser Raffle – Winners announced!

Federal Election reflection – A time to rebuild and reconnect

The recent Federal Election result has been difficult to watch, but it also sends a clear message that if we want to win back the trust of Australians, we need to campaign where our constituents are at. Connecting with them by listening more closely, adapting where necessary, and finding pathways and solutions without ever compromising our values or beliefs.

During the campaign, I had the privilege of supporting our outstanding candidates in Paterson, Macarthur, and Bradfield. Their commitment, energy, and courage were exceptional, and as I write this to you, vote counting for Bradfield is still ongoing. Each of these candidates ran strong, locally focused campaigns and were backed by dedicated teams of volunteers who gave it their all.

While the overall result may not have gone our way, the hard work of Liberal Party members and supporters across the country was on full display. We campaigned with purpose and pride, standing up for the values we believe in personal responsibility, enterprise, family, and effort reward.

This election is a reminder that Australians are looking for a party that understands their everyday challenges from housing and affordability to cost-of-living pressures. These are not abstract issues, they are kitchen table issues, and they must be at the centre of how we shape our message and policies moving forward.

The road ahead will not be easy, but I remain hopeful. With genuine reflection, unity of purpose, and strong community engagement, we can rebuild, reconnect, and restore confidence in what we stand for.

We have done it before, and we can do it again.

Welcome to Parliament, Rob Dwyer MP

It was a proud moment to witness Rob Dwyer deliver his inaugural speech in the NSW Parliament. An address filled with humility, community spirit, and a deep commitment to public service. Rob acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and paid heartfelt tribute to his predecessor, Leslie Williams, whose legacy continues to inspire many of us in this place.

With over three decades of experience in business, sport, and volunteering, Rob brings real-life perspective to his role. From managing a major local club to responding to natural disasters, coaching kids’ sports, and volunteering as a lifesaver, he reflects values of service, hard work, and integrity. He spoke with passion about the people of Port Macquarie, the beauty and challenges of the region, and his focus on practical outcomes in infrastructure, health care, housing, and law and order.

Rob has hit the ground running, meeting with local leaders, councils, and Ministers to push for the services and improvements his electorate needs. His speech was a reflection of where he has come from, and a statement of intent for where he is heading. I have no doubt he will serve the people of Port Macquarie with dedication, energy and a strong community focus.

National Road Safety Week 2025 (11 to 18 May 2025)

In 2024, 340 people sadly lost their lives on NSW roads, with 134 of those deaths resulting from speeding. We all have a role to play in reducing these tragic numbers.

Mr. Peter Frazer OAM tragically lost his daughter, Sarah, in a road crash 13 years ago. In honour of her life and the lives of all those lost annually due to speeding and dangerous driving; he began the National Road Safety initiative to promote safe driving.

Since then, National Road Safety Week has been held annually in her memory, aiming to raise awareness about the critical importance of road safety in NSW, to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.

Together, we can achieve our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050.

Inquiry into Renewable Energy Zones – Listening to Regional Communities

In May, I joined members of Portfolio Committee No. 4, Regional NSW, in Dubbo as part of the Inquiry into the Impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries across our state.

Following our first hearing in Sydney on Tuesday 13 May, we travelled to the Central West Orana REZ. The first of its kind in NSW for site visits and an on-the-ground hearing. We spoke directly with landowners, developers, councils, and community groups to better understand the complex realities of integrating large-scale renewable energy infrastructure in productive agricultural regions.

There is no doubt the Orana region is one of immense agricultural value, and while it may seem easier to take a ‘hands-off’ approach and look elsewhere, the voices of those directly affected must be heard and respected.

What became clear to me from the initial hearings is that communication, consultation, and community engagement must be done better, not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a genuine partnership with the regions that are helping power the state's future.

The Committee will continue its work, with hearings scheduled across other REZs, including the New England REZ in July 2025. As a regional representative, I remain committed to ensuring that community voices are front and centre in decisions that shape their land, livelihoods, and future.

Learning from the United States of America – A United Approach to PFAS

During the May hearings, I had the privilege to e-meet with U.S. Senator Judy Seeberger and Avonna Starck from Clean Water Action Minnesota. Two strong advocates are tackling PFAS contamination and public health in the United States.

Both shared valuable insights for us in New South Wales, and a clear message stood out: we must put people before profits and take partisanship out of the issue. Senator Seeberger reminded us that protecting community health must come first, and she praised the steps NSW has taken so far, while urging continued momentum.

Avonna Starck highlighted the importance of honesty in government communication and the need to involve low-income and impacted communities in decision-making. She spoke powerfully about making sure voices from the ground are heard, especially those often left out of the conversation.

PFAS contamination affects everyone. But the solutions must be fair, inclusive, and community-led. I’ll continue to advocate for stronger protections, clearer communication, and a truly united approach because our health and our environment cannot wait.

May Measurement Month!

Throughout May, Australians are urged to take part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, a national campaign led by the Stroke Foundation to raise awareness and reduce the risk of stroke.

High blood pressure, often symptomless, affects one in three adults and is the leading preventable cause of death in the country. A simple, quick check at your doctor or local pharmacy can detect hypertension early and help you take control of your health. High blood pressure is like a ticking time bomb, but the good news is, it can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication.

May Measurement Month is a global initiative that supports the National Hypertension Taskforce in its goal to dramatically increase the number of Australians with well-managed blood pressure by 2030.

Don’t let high blood pressure be the cause of a preventable stroke!

Pumpkin Run 2025 – Cultivating Community and Confidence

On a crisp autumn morning at Tilbuster Station, I had the honour of joining Pathfinders CEO Alan Brennan, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland, and Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood to send off this year’s Pathfinders Pumpkin Run.

Now in its 11th year, the Pumpkin Run is not only a harvest, but also a heartfelt initiative that brings together young people from across Pathfinders programs to grow, prepare, and hand-deliver fresh pumpkins and meals to food charities across New South Wales.

Over the past several months, these young people have nurtured more than five tonnes of pumpkins from seed to harvest, learning hands-on agricultural skills, building resilience, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. From the fields of Tilbuster Station to soup kitchens and shelters in Newcastle, Sydney, and the New England, their hard work will nourish both stomachs and spirits.

In the lead-up to the journey, participants also prepared cooked pumpkin meals for local food relief organisations, supporting families and individuals doing it tough, especially as winter sets in.

What stood out most to me was the enthusiasm and pride of the young people involved. They are not only giving back; they are growing in confidence and discovering purpose. Pathfinders is doing remarkable work to support youth from all walks of life, which highlights what is possible when we invest in early engagement, community connection, and positive pathways.

The Pumpkin Run will conclude at Government House in Sydney, where participants will be hosted for a special morning tea by Her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW.

Congratulations to all involved, and thank you for showing us what community, compassion, and commitment truly look like.

Empowering Youth and building futures in Moree

Meeting people like Tracey Reid, who leads the FlatTrack program, reminds me why I am so passionate about Youth Justice reform.

FlatTrack is a dynamic youth social enterprise in Moree dedicated to helping young people build skills, confidence, and real-world experience. Operated by Jobs Australia Enterprises, since reopening in October 2023, it has become a hub for hands-on learning, offering training in trades, hospitality, horticulture, and education. All while giving back to the community through projects like yard maintenance and support for palliative care patients.

Tracey is doing incredible work on the ground, guiding young people in Moree towards brighter futures. During our conversation, she shared her vision for expanding the program, particularly her efforts to secure the old Go Kart track to create even more opportunities, and the barriers she has encountered trying to bring that vision to life. Her energy, commitment, and practical approach are exactly what we need to turn lives around.

I have offered to work with Tracey and explore alternative funding pathways and bring the right people to the table for a whole-of-government conversation. Young people in Moree deserve every chance to thrive, and I will continue to advocate for programs like FlatTrack to receive the recognition and support they need to grow and succeed.

Move Your Way This May – It’s Exercise Right Month!

May is Exercise Right Month, and it is the perfect reminder that exercise is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are a young athlete, recovering from injury, or simply trying to stay active as you age, there is a way to move that is right for you!

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Danielle Smith, CEO of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), along with Sydney Olympian Ji Wallace and Ian Bergman from Balance Matrx. We spoke about the life-changing impact exercise can have not just in sport, but in everyday life, particularly in regional and rural communities like ours.

Exercise helps prevent chronic disease, improves mental wellbeing, and reduces the risk of falls, a serious concern for many older Australians. Programs like Balance Matrx and the support of Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Scientists mean more people can access safe, effective and tailored exercise programs, no matter their age or background.

Exercise Right Month is all about breaking down barriers such as cost, distance, confidence and encouraging all Australians to move more, move safely, and move for life. I will continue supporting initiatives that make healthy, active living more accessible in our part of the state.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week — WOW Day, 21 May 2025

National Volunteer Week (19–25 May 2025) is a time to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across Australia. From crisis support to emergency response, volunteers are at the heart of keeping our communities safe, supported, and connected.

Since 1963, Lifeline’s life-saving crisis services have been powered by volunteers, the heart and soul of our organisation. With over 3,500 trained crisis supporters and 6,000 more assisting in stores, events, and local services, our volunteers are there when it matters most. This week, we honour their incredible impact with events, awards, and heartfelt thanks. Without them, Lifeline simply could not be there for Australians in crisis.

This year, WOW Day (Wear Orange Wednesday) falls on 21 May 2025, right in the middle of National Volunteer Week. WOW Day shines a spotlight on the 10,000+ volunteers of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) who selflessly respond to storms, floods, and other natural disasters. From front-line emergency response to operational and community engagement roles, SES volunteers come from all walks of life and play a vital role in keeping us safe.

We wore orange on WOW Day as a symbol of our appreciation and unity, acknowledging the SES’s tireless dedication and the broader impact of volunteers everywhere.

To every volunteer, whether answering crisis calls, running community programs, or protecting lives during disasters, thank you. Your commitment makes a profound difference in the lives of so many.

National Palliative Care Week - 21 to 27 May 2025

Every day in Australia, 400 people of all ages die from a terminal illness, and each one of them could benefit from palliative care. Care is not only a human right but one that brings comfort, dignity, and meaning to their final days. Unfortunately, too many individuals miss out on this vital support.

For 30 years, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) has helped spark important conversations, raise awareness, and advocate for fair and improved access to palliative care across the country.

In 2025, under the leadership of Palliative Care Australia, NPCW is asking Australians a simple but powerful question: “What’s your plan?”

This call encourages all of us to have open, honest conversations with our loved ones about end-of-life wishes, so that every person is empowered to make choices that reflect what matters most during their final days.

When I’m back home in beautiful New England, I always make time to catch up with branch members and the local community. This month I had the pleasure of meeting with members in Armidale and Tamworth sharing updates, listening to local concerns, and discussing what matters most to our region.

If there is an issue you would like to raise, a story to share, or an idea you think deserves attention, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Your insights shape my work, and I am always keen to hear from you.

Warmest regards,

The Hon Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC