The new recruits are part of the NSW government's record investment to boost the ranks of frontline health staff by 8300 over four years including an additional 5000 nurses and midwives, mental health and palliative care nurses.

Across the state, more than 2500 graduate nurses and midwives have started work at about 130 public hospitals and health services from this week, a quarter in rural and regional areas.

As a former nurse, I'm thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the cohort who will work across all clinical areas at Port Macquarie Base Hospital including mental health, cancer care and midwifery, and I wish them well in their nursing career.

It's a remarkable time, in the middle of a health pandemic, to be starting out in this unique and rewarding profession.

I know each of our new recruits will play a valuable role in improving the health and wellbeing of our local community.

Community organisations that help seniors stay social and connected can now apply for a share in the $600,000 NSW Reducing Social Isolation Grants Program.

Grants of up to $60,000 are available for projects that help our seniors stay connected with the community.

It is in the best interests of our seniors and the community that this generation remains as active and socially engaged as possible.

The NSW government is investing in innovative projects that encourage seniors to participate in their communities.

We're looking for local, community driven projects and activities that bring seniors together, particularly initiatives that actively engage seniors who are harder to reach.

Applications are open until March 31, 2021. For more information or to apply go to facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/seniors or contact my Electorate Office on 6584 0977.