Community Diary

It’s always a pleasure to travel across the electorate to meet with residents. This year I’ve hosted events in Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, Lockhart, Humula, Talbingo, Tumut and Batlow.

In June, I held my third annual Seniors Forum in Wagga Wagga. This year we were joined by Minister for Seniors Mark Coure MP. It was excellent to have the Minister present to hear the insightful feedback raised. Thank you to everyone who attended. It was a delight to recently attend two momentous anniversaries in Lockhart. In September, the Greens Gunyah Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary, then in October, it was an honour to address the 125th Anniversary of Lockhart Central School. The Batlow United Community Chamber (BUCC) continues to meet quarterly, and is open to all members of the community. The community continues to strengthen in the years following the 2019-2020 bushfires, with much innovation and growth occurring locally. Thank you to everyone who attended one of my Meet the MP and Pop Up Office events this year. These are opportunities for you to bring your concerns to me outside of my electorate office and I look forward to holding more of these events.

In October, I hosted a Grants Webinar run by ‘The Grants Guy’ Keith Wheelan. I hope community groups looking to apply for grants found this useful and if you’d like to watch the webinar there’s a recording on my website.

Dr Joe McGirr MP COMMUNITY DIARY

INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR WAGGA WAGGA Recently I’ve presented Community Service

Awards to two very deserving members of our community, Deb Bewick and Tom Looney.

Mrs Bewick is currently president of the Uranquinty Progress Association and Wagga Wagga Autism Support Group. In these roles, Mrs Bewick helps build connections and provide much needed support across the community. Mr Looney has made - and continues to make - significant contributions to local charities, including Edel Quinn Shelter for homeless men, Country Hope, and the Wagga Support Group. Mr Looney was also the founding treasurer of the Riverina Men Of League, is a life member of the Wagga Kangaroos Rugby League Club, and has served on the Touch Football and Wagga Rugby League committees. I also had the pleasure of presenting a Community Heroes award to Peter and Trish Hilton for their many years of volunteering, particularly through South Wagga Anglican Church.

Community Service Award presented to Deb Bewick (May 2022)

Community Service Award presented to Tom Looney (September 2022) Community Heroes Award presented to Trish and Peter Hilton (August 2022)