The unique insights, abilities and experience seniors contribute to our community is what helps make our area thrive. This is one of the ways we can show our appreciation.

I encourage everyone to nominate a senior who makes a difference, be it a grandparent who supports the family, a volunteer who lends a helping hand,, or an older person who advocates for the rights of others.

The award presentation will be in Port Macquarie during the annual Seniors Concert I host with Hastings Combined Seniors on February 21, for the NSW Seniors Festival.

Nominations for the Port Macquarie electorate 2019 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards are open until Monday, December 24, 2018.

For information about the program or to nominate a senior, contact the Port Macquarie Electorate Office on 6584 0977.

Don’t become a statistic

In an effort to reduce the number of tragic and unnecessary drownings across our state’s beaches, rivers and pools, the NSW government has launched its 2018 water safety advertising campaign.

Last summer NSW had 36 drownings, with seven people tragically losing their lives in our waterways between Christmas and January 2, 2018.

This summer, the NSW government is calling on risk-taking young men in particular, to swim between the flags, look out for their mates, and not drink alcohol or take drugs before swimming.

The NSW government’s Be Water Safe, Not Sorry campaign is supported by Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving NSW and Marine Rescue NSW.

For information on the campaign and the Royal Life Saving NSW Summer Drowning Report, visit: watersafety.nsw.gov.au