Jenny Aitchison MP 

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has welcomed news that preparations are under way to carry out important work on the nationally significant Morpeth Bridge. “Morpeth Bridge, over the Hunter River at Morpeth, is one of Maitland’s most iconic sights,” Ms Aitchison said. “It is a renowned example of a timber trestle bridge with Allan trusses and is rightly listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.” Work begins today on the site compound and maintenance work on the bridge will begin

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has welcomed the Natural Disaster declaration made for the Maitland local government area in the wake of violent storms and significant damage. The declaration unlocks assistance through jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). “Thunderstorms, high winds, flash flooding and torrential rain caused significant damage to parts of Maitland, including private residences in Metford and East Maitland, the East Maitl

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has condemned the Berejiklian Government for its sale of the former Maitland Lands Board District Office at East Maitland. Ms Aitchison described the auction of the iconic heritage building as yet another example of community-owned assets being cashed in to boost the Government’s budget. “The Premier obviously values the State coffers more than she does Maitland’s cultural, artistic and community groups, who have been pleading with the Government f

I congratulate the Maitland Aboriginal Education Consultative Group on its staging of the 2019 Pathways Awards night, which recognised the achievements of more than 150 members of our community. It was a night filled with ceremony, song and dance, celebrating the educational, cultural, social and sporting achievements of Maitland's Indigenous students. Many community members who have contributed to the education and wellbeing of Indigenous children were also recognised. The a

I wish to join Maitland City Council in congratulating five locals who recently made it into the city’s Hall of Fame. The inductees were Peter Bogan, Nicholas Enright, Gary Harley, Colin Johnston and Melinda Thompson. Peter, who unfortunately passed away last year, was acknowledged for his contribution to research and education. He is a highly regarded local historian, especially around his work preserving Maitland’s flood history. Nicholas Enright, who passed away in 2003, w

I draw the attention of the House to a number of outstanding community leaders in Maitland who deserve our congratulations and thanks and to some of those we have lost. Firstly I recognise Brad Adams, who has combined the old with the new to bring our community closer. Brad is a Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator who has designed a bespoke app called Gillieston Heights Connect. It displays a wide variety of options for local services to help those who live, work or play at

Two Maitland Justices of the Peace who have each given 50 years of service to the community were honoured this week during a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House. Ted Thornburrow, of Bolwarra Heights, and Trevor Crouch, of Rutherford, were greeted by Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and presented with commemorative certificates by Attorney General the Hon Mark Speakman MP during the function. “Justices of the Peace provide important services to our community,” Ms Aitchison sai

Early last Monday morning Maitland lost one of its staunchest advocates when businessman, community activist, politician and patron of the arts Bob Geoghegan passed away following a 12-month battle with cancer. I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Robyn, and their beautiful family, including his three wonderful daughters and grandchildren. Many people knew Bob as the owner-operator of the Hit-n-Dip Sports Centre at Greenhills, w

I seek leave to amend private members' business item No. 16 in the order of precedence for today of which I have given notice by omitting paragraphs 2 and 3 and inserting instead: (2)Condemns the Government for failing to meet the only Premier's Priority on Preventing Domestic Violence—reducing recidivism. (3)Calls on the Government to implement age appropriate professionally delivered respectful relationships education to all students from kindergarten. Leave granted. Ms JEN

The Black and White Committee is one of our city's great institutions. Its yearly Garden Ramble, through the grounds of beautiful private homes, is a fixture in our annual calendar and its luncheon, which attracts around 400 people, is a must-do event that attracts speakers of Australian and world renown. These grand events are staged to raise money for Vision Australia and all funds raised stay in the Hunter region to help people who are blind or who have low vision. Anne ga