Sharon Claydon
Newcastle · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“That was not an easy decision back then. We know what happened. We know the litigious nature of big tobacco and big tech, and that's why this is so damn critical right now. That is why every parent in Australia is asking: 'How can this be happening?”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“They knew that this was going to be a challenging moment for the Australian parliament. They knew it full well. They knew the arguments they were having every day at their kitchen tables and in their lounge rooms about kids spending so much time doomscrolling. But they also knew it wasn't the fault of their kids.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“Colleagues fondly remember Julia's vibrant personality, her loyalty and the lasting impression she left on those fortunate enough to work alongside her. On behalf of members and staff who were privileged to work alongside Julia, I want to put on record our sincere gratitude for her remarkable service spanning more than three decades.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“I rise today to honour the life and service of Julia Morris and to extend my deepest condolences to her daughter, Mollie; her parents, Allan and Anne; her brother, James; and all of her friends, family and colleagues. Julia passed away last month after a five-year battle with breast cancer.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“That's the very legislation that we need to hold big tech to account—to make sure that kids are not left fending for themselves against these giants that have never, ever displayed an intention to change their business model and to do the right thing, which has constantly been asked of them.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“These are parents that lost their kids. These were kids who were victims of addictive design features in social media that led to self-harm, extreme levels of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image harm, cyberbullying, misogyny, radicalisation and mis- and disinformation.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
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“I rise to support this motion. I really want to add to the words of the member for Menzies and congratulate the member for Bonner for bringing this motion before the House today. May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Domestic violence is one of the most important issues confronting us as a nation. It has a huge impact on too many people and too many families. This is a national crisis. No-one would say otherwise. It demands exactly the kind of national, coordinated and long-term response that the Albanese Labor government has prioritised. The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is the national framework agreed by all governments to end violence against women and children in one generation.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“It's about ensuring children can grow up proud of who they are and where they come from. And it's about strengthening the rich, multicultural fabric that makes our city such a vibrant and welcoming place. Instead of waiting for change, Monica stepped forward and made it happen. She's even publishing bilingual booklets now, and that kind of leadership deserves recognition. People like Monica make Newcastle strong. Through her work, she's building connections, opening doors and creating opportunities for future generations. I know our entire community is incredibly proud of her achievements, and I am very pleased to place on record my sincere congratulations and thanks for the remarkable contributions she's making to our city.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“I rise today to congratulate Monica Njoroge-Eaton on receiving the New South Wales premier's Community Languages Teacher Medal this year—a thoroughly well deserved award—in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education, multiculturalism and community life in Newcastle. Monica is an extraordinary community leader whose passion and determination have helped create something truly special for local families. Through her leadership, Newcastle is now home to New South Wales's first-ever Kiswahili community language school, which is an incredible achievement that's helping young people stay connected to their language, culture and heritage while building a stronger sense of identity and belonging. But this initiative is far more than a language school alone. It's about creating community.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“It's also a testament to the strength of Newcastle's creative and cultural sectors that one of our own has been chosen to lead one of the world's most celebrated literary events. And while we will certainly miss Rosemarie's leadership at the Newcastle Writers Festival, we know that she will not only play an important role in the transition of that leadership but she will be bringing the same passion, intelligence and generosity that she showed to Newcastle down to Adelaide. On behalf of the people of Newcastle, I thank Rosemarie for being such an outstanding advocate for the writers and for her strong understanding of the cultural conversation shaping Australia today. I wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“Today I want to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Rosemarie Milsom, who, after 14 years of leading the Newcastle Writers Festival, has been appointed as the new director of Adelaide Writers' Week. For more than a decade, Rosemarie has shaped Newcastle into one of Australia's great literary cities through the founding and leadership of the Newcastle Writers Festival. What began as a bold local idea when Rosemarie was a full-time journalist at the Newcastle Herald has grown into one of the nation's most respected literary festivals, bringing world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to our city while nurturing local voices and fostering a lifelong love of reading and ideas. Rosemarie's appointment to the Adelaide Writers' Week is a richly deserved recognition of her talent, her integrity and her vision.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“The national spotlight from Gardening Australia showcased not only the incredible biodiversity of the wetlands but also the dedication of the staff, volunteers and environmental advocates who care for this remarkable place each and every day. Visitors from across the country now have the chance to see what locals have known for years—that the Hunter Wetlands Centre is one of Australia's great urban wetlands and a sanctuary for wildlife right in the heart of our region. To everyone involved with the centre, thank you for protecting this special place not just for today but also for future generations and for continuing to make Newcastle proud.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“I rise today to celebrate one of Newcastle's true environmental treasures, the Hunter Wetlands Centre, and its recent feature on the ABC's iconic television program Gardening Australia . For Novocastrians, the wetlands centre is much more than just a beautiful natural space; it's a place of remarkable regeneration, an important industrial and urban buffer and a vital place of education, conservation, community and connection. Built on formerly industrial land, it stands as a powerful example of environmental restoration done right, proof that nature can thrive when communities come together with vision and determination.”
Australian House of Representatives25 May 2026Source ↗
“I hope that they take some comfort in knowing that Peter leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, a legacy built not only on the offices he held or the projects that he advanced but through the values he championed—fairness, dignity, opportunity and service to others. Newcastle and the Hunter are stronger because of Peter Morris, and Australia is better because of Peter Morris. Vale, Peter Morris.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“Peter and Flo are survived by their children Michael, Paul and John Morris, along with Peter's remaining siblings, including one of my predecessors, the former federal member for Newcastle, Allan Morris. He was in this parliament from 1983 to 2001. In my part of the world, if you don't serve for more than 20 years, you're considered a bit of a wimp, I think! I am only the sixth federal member for Newcastle since 1901. That shows the kind of service that has been given, and, in no small part, more than half a century of that has been the Morris family. So I do not want to ever underestimate the significance of that service. And I do want to send my condolences to all the members of the Morris family and to Peter's many dear friends and loved ones, and, of course, the ALP rank and file, who I know will be mourning his passing.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“We now have at the Newcastle harbour a magnificent memorial in honour of the merchant mariners. We have a service every year, which will happen, as I said, in the June long weekend, and we will all be remembering Peter, who will be very much in our hearts and minds at that service this year. On behalf of the people of Newcastle, I do extend my deepest condolences to Peter's family. Peter and his wife, Florence, who sadly passed away in 2019—I know that really hurt Peter; he really missed Flo—were loving parents to four children, including the late Matthew Morris, their son, who was a former state member for Charlestown, from 2003 to 2011, so this is a family that knows service.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“His passing represents the loss of a generation of leaders shaped by public service, community connection and deep ideological convictions—people who entered politics because they genuinely wanted to improve the lives of others, people who understood that politics at its best is about service. I will miss Peter deeply. I will miss his wisdom, his encouragement and his generosity with younger generations of Labor representatives. I will miss his stories, and I will miss his unwavering commitment to Newcastle and the Hunter. I will be attending a service called the Merchant Mariners Memorial service, coming up in a couple of weeks. It'll be the June long weekend. That, again, is a legacy of Peter Morris. He understood that we lost many merchant mariners during the war time and we had no way to honour them.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“While I was unfortunately unable to attend that ceremony, I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in bringing that project to life and in honouring Peter in such a meaningful way. It's a beautiful reflection on the respect and affection that our community held for him. He believed passionately in Newcastle's future. He believed in our workers, our industries, our creativity and our resilience. And he believed that regional communities deserved ambition from government—not just attention during election campaigns but genuine long-term investment and opportunity. That belief continues to resonate today. I know many across our community will feel Peter's loss profoundly.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“He remained very actively engaged and cared deeply about the rank-and-file members of the Australian Labor Party, and they loved him for that. We should all take a leaf out of his book, really. He took enormous pride in the region's achievements and the potential of our region. Just recently, Peter's longstanding contribution to our maritime community was recognised through the ceremonial hoisting of the William the Fourth's new ship's tender, the Peter Morris . He will be very, very chuffed about having a vessel named in his honour. The tender was hand built by the Lake Macquarie Classic Boat Association in partnership with the William the Fourth organisation and stands as a fitting tribute to Peter's decades of support and patronage.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“For many of us in Newcastle, Peter was far more than a former minister or respected elder statesman. He was a mentor, a confidant, a storyteller, a trusted source of wisdom and advice. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and conversations with Peter were always memorable. They could be long—and a long journey to get around to the story—but it meant that it was really tattooed into my memory bank forevermore. He possessed a razor-sharp political mind and an extraordinary memory, and, after leaving parliament, Peter remained deeply engaged in Newcastle and the Hunter. I want to acknowledge the words from the now member for Shortland of just how involved he remained in the Shortland FEC. People, after giving 27 years of service, have got every right to sit back and retire, but that was never Peter's way.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“The report reflected Peter's broad philosophy that economic progress should never come at the expense of human dignity, that workers deserve to return home safely, that fairness matters and that governments have a responsibility to stand up for those whose voices are all too often ignored. That commitment to fairness and justice defined Peter Morris throughout his public life, and he was deeply respected across the labour movement because he combined intellectual rigour with a solid grounding in those principles of high regard for common humanity. He was serious about policy, he was serious about reform and serious about public service, and he understood people. He understood relationships, he understood community and he understood the importance of humour.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“It was an important part of my early education as a—I was not even then the member for Newcastle, but it sticks with me. That is in no small part due to the extraordinary work that Peter Morris did—and made sure all of us in the region were familiar with the work that he had done. That was a good education for me as the young parliamentarian I was soon to be. The Ships of Shame report really elevated public awareness. It strengthened the security of international shipping practices and helped drive improvements in safety standards and conditions for seafarers. It's something we should be really proud of here in Australia—that we ask international seafarers to abide by those conditions and regulations too.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“It was a real eye-opener for me, I have to say, and I'm really indebted to Peter and to the International Transport Workers' Federation for that very early education. Although Peter's report was way back in the 1990s, I was boarding a ship in 2013 that hadn't paid its workers for three months and didn't have enough food for them to get to the next port. But I'm really pleased to say that—now, with that infrastructure in place and those safety inspectors aboard ships—that ship left our harbour having paid that crew, having fed them and made sure they had water and food to get to the next port. But it does remind me that you just need to remain forever vigilant. In Australia, we do have good working conditions for people in our ports, and we want that extended to the people that work on ships that come to our ports.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“I recall that when I was speaking to the Newcastle branch secretary of the MUA very recently, he made it very clear to me that seafarers would still be working on rust buckets today if it wasn't for Peter Morris. I think that's a very true statement. I remember when I became a candidate, standing in the 2013 election. The International Transport Workers' Federation was in Newcastle. Peter encouraged me to attend the seminars that were being run by the transport federation, and they allowed me to board a ship with them in the Newcastle Harbour. These are people who have international tickets to board ships to check on the safety and wellbeing of seafarers all around the world. We were delighted to have them in the Port of Newcastle.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“In 1992 Peter chaired the inquiry into shipping safety and standards that exposed shocking exploitation and dangerous practices occurring aboard foreign vessels operating in Australian waters. That report uncovered appalling conditions endured by seafarers—unsafe ships, inadequate living conditions, exploitation of crews and systemic neglect of safety standards. It was confronting, but Peter refused to look away. At the time there were powerful interests content to ignore those conditions. Peter insisted that Australia had a responsibility to uphold fairness, dignity and safety for all workers. People visiting our shores were not somehow carved out of that, in Peter's mind. The Ships of s hame report became a catalyst for reform in maritime safety and regulation. It's a standard that is still used today.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“It's a great joy for me to remember him in that context, in the place that he loved so much, on the William the F ourth boat touring the working harbour that he dedicated much of his life and advocacy to. It's a special memory that will stay with me, that's for sure. But Peter's most enduring and nationally significant contribution perhaps came through his fearless advocacy not as a minister, not as someone holding high office in this place, but, at that time, as a humble backbencher heading up a committee. He wrote an extraordinary report that many of us continue to refer to today—I see former deputy prime minister the member for Riverina acknowledging that it was indeed a landmark report—called Ships of s hame . For those of us that have been around the block enough, we know just how important that report was.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“I know just how disappointed Peter was when that museum closed, and I know it was his wish that it would be a temporary closure. He was really heartened to know there were people still fighting for the Newcastle Maritime Museum. I take this moment to acknowledge the Newcastle branch of the Maritime Union of Australia for the very constructive role they have played in those discussions and for their continued advocacy in preserving Newcastle's maritime heritage. One of the most pleasurable last memories I have of being with Peter, before he went into care, is of being out on a restored vessel called William the Fourth . That boat now commemorates him, and he was so thrilled to be out there on the water once again. He looked like the happiest man in Newcastle that day.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“That practical understanding grounded his politics throughout his career. Peter also held a deep appreciation for Newcastle's rich maritime history and the communities built around our harbour and busy waterfront. He played an important role in the opening of the Newcastle Maritime Museum, helping ensure that the stories of our port, our working harbour, our seafarers and our industrial heritage were preserved for future generations. That contribution reflected Peter's broader belief that Newcastle should always celebrate and honour the working people and industries that shape our city. I welcome the current discussions with the New South Wales government around getting the museum's collection back into public display so that the community can once again engage with this important part of our history.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“Peter's advocacy around the M1 motorway corridor reflected his staunch belief that improving transport links would strengthen economic growth, improve safety and better connect regional communities to major cities and opportunities. Through his involvement in aviation and transport policy, including work connected to the new second airport of Sydney at Badgerys Creek just opening, Peter helped shape national conversations about the future of Australian infrastructure and economic development. These were nation-building reforms and projects, but Peter never approached them in abstract policy terms alone. He understood what these projects meant to working people. He understood what secure jobs meant to families trying to pay the mortgage, raise the children and build a future. He understood what investment meant to regional confidence.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“The City of Newcastle and the Port Stephens Council remain custodians and leasers of those lands, and those profits are returned. It is a remarkable model, and it was only somebody like Peter Morris who had the foresight to set it up in such a way that this airport would never be privatised and sold off, and that the communities that house the airport and that invest in the airport get to benefit from it as well. A lot of Novocastrians for many, many generations will be giving thanks to Peter Morris for his foresight in that regard, but that was just one example. Peter also understood the importance of better road connectivity between Newcastle and Sydney. It remains a sport for Novocastrians to critique the transport corridors between these two cities.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“It was about connecting communities, supporting jobs, driving investment and ensuring regions like ours were never left behind. His work supporting the development and growth of Newcastle Airport helped lay foundations for what has become one of the Hunter's most important economic assets. Today Newcastle Airport stands as a critical gateway for tourism, defence, industry and trade, supporting thousands of jobs and helping connect our region to the world. I would just add that, true to his Labor values and principles, Peter ensured that Newcastle Airport was established with a model of ownership between the two local councils so that today it is the largest airport in Australia that remains in public ownership. The profits therefore get returned to the communities that bought into that airport in the first place.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“He carried with him the instincts of someone who understood working communities—communities built around the steelworks, the mines, the railways and the waterfront. He understood the aspirations and anxieties of ordinary families because they were the communities that shaped him. Peter entered the Australian parliament during a transformative period in Australian history, and he helped shape many of the reforms that modernised our nation. As a minister in the Hawke government, he played an important role in advancing major transport and infrastructure projects that would leave a lasting mark on both our region and Australia more broadly. Peter understood that transport and infrastructure are never just about roads, airports or transport corridors; for him, infrastructure opened up opportunities.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“He was the son of a Greek migrant who came to Australia seeking opportunity and a better future for his family, and, like so many migrant families who helped build our industrial regions like Newcastle, the Morris family understood hard work, resilience and community. Peter grew up with those values deeply ingrained in him. He attended Newcastle Boys' High School and later built his career in local government before entering federal politics. Long before he came to this chamber, Peter had already developed the qualities that would define his public life: intelligence, determination, integrity and a fierce commitment to the people he represented. No matter how senior the office he held, Peter never lost sight of where he came from. He was always unmistakeably a Hunter local.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“It's a great honour to rise in this chamber this evening to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the Hon. Peter Morris, a principled Labor man, a reformer of conviction and one of the most significant public figures our region has produced. Peter Morris dedicated more than 25 years of his life to public service, serving the people of the electorate of Shortland in this parliament from 1972 to 1998. Across those decades, he became known not only as a highly capable minister and parliamentarian but as a tireless advocate for the Hunter and for working people right across Australia. His passing is deeply felt in Newcastle and throughout our region. Peter's story was shaped by the Hunter from the very beginning.”
Australian House of Representatives13 May 2026Source ↗
“My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. How has the Albanese Labor government been assisting Australians returning from the Middle East, and how are Australia's collective efforts supporting the region?”
Australian House of Representatives31 March 2026Source ↗
“To Tilley and to all the young people of Newcastle considering a career on the water, I say this: there is a place for you and a future that is worth pursuing.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“This is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating effective employment pathways—giving young people the opportunity to learn, to train on the job and to step confidently into secure, skilled jobs in their own communities. Tilley's journey also speaks to something bigger: the importance of opening doors for more women in traditionally male dominated industries like maritime. Programs like this don't just build careers; they build the future workforce of our region, which needs support in a growing economy and thriving port. For Newcastle, a city defined by our working harbour, there is something especially powerful about seeing the next generation stepping forward to keep that legacy strong.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“I rise today to recognise an inspiring young Novocastrian, Tilley Murgatroyd, who is charting an exciting course in Australia's maritime industry. A proud Novocastrian, Tilley has recently stepped into a role as port officer with the Port Authority of New South Wales, an achievement built on her dedication, skill and hands-on training in Newcastle. Through a unique traineeship where the Port of Newcastle and Svitzer combine to develop skills around towage, pilotage support, on-water safety and port operations, Tilley has gained the kind of real-world experience that sets her up for a strong and lasting career on the harbour and at sea.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“This legislation positions Australia as a constructive partner, working with our Pacific neighbours and international community to safeguard the health of our shared seas. If we fail to act, the cost will not be abstract. It will be borne by future generations, through environmental decline, economic loss and diminished global standing. Not a single law will solve this crisis overnight, but this is a critical step towards healthier oceans, stronger ecosystems and a more sustainable future. In this place, we can choose to lead. We can choose to act with courage, guided by science and responsibility. That's why I commend this bill to the House.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“Importantly, this legislation is backed by a broad coalition of scientists, environmental organisations and community advocates. Groups like Surfers for Climate, Greenpeace, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the World Wide Fund for Nature and Save our Marine Life are united in calling for stronger ocean protections. They represent Australians who see firsthand the impacts of warming waters, pollution and biodiversity loss—and they are clear: the science is settled, the need is urgent and the time to act is now. This bill reflects that consensus. It demonstrates what is possible when we listen to the evidence, to the experts and to our communities and when we match that with the will to act. It also reflects Australia's role on the global stage. Oceans do not recognise borders, and protecting them requires cooperation.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“We've strengthened emissions reduction mechanisms, invested in renewable energy and backed scientists and traditional owners to deliver real environmental conservation outcomes. This is what effective environmental leadership looks like. It's not slogans but decisions that stand up. They stand up in our communities. They're going to stand up in our courts. It puts us on a secure footing. In contrast, we've got members in this House who often opt to delay denial and go for short-term thinking. When science calls for urgency, they offer hesitation. When the moment demands action, they fall back on politics. Well, this bill is a test of whether we are serious about protecting our environment or content to just fall behind.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“In Newcastle, my home town, the ocean is central to our way of life. From Stockton Beach to Nobbys Headland and all the way down to the gorgeous Glenrock Lagoon, from our ocean baths to the surfers up and down our coast, across to the whales, travelling the Humpback Highway every year, our connection to the sea runs deep. It shapes our identity. It supports local jobs. It underpins tourism and small business. When oceans suffer, so too do our communities. Labor has a strong record of environmental protection. We rejected the PEP11 exploration permit off the coast of Newcastle. Listening to both the science and the people of Newcastle, and since coming to office in 2022, Labor has protected more than 100 million hectares of land and sea.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“The legislation before the House this evening will ratify the high seas treaty, embed it in Australian law and establish frameworks to regulate damaging activities like unregulated fishing, seabed mining and pollution. It will also support the creation of marine protected areas where ecosystems are most at risk, guided by science and international cooperation. The stakes could not be higher. Without action, we face collapsing fish stocks, disrupted carbon cycles and irreversible damage to marine ecosystems we are only just beginning to understand now. For Australia, an island nation and steward of extraordinary marine environments, inaction is not neutral. It's a choice that actively accelerates the degradation of ecosystems. It's a choice against our climate goals, our regional leadership and future generations.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“I am delighted to raise my voice in strong support of the High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026 that speaks not just to policy but to purpose. This is about leadership—leadership that respects science, leadership that values our natural world and leadership that acts with urgency, because the decisions we make now will echo for generations. At its core, this bill enables Australia to protect biodiversity beyond our national waters and across the vast, fragile ecosystems of the high seas. And these oceans cover more than half the Earth's surface. They regulate our climate, sustain global fisheries and support extraordinary life, yet they remain amongst the least protected.”
Australian House of Representatives30 March 2026Source ↗
“It's happening on our beaches, in our surf clubs, in our communities and in our sporting organisations. These are young lifesavers who are representing the very best of us, and they give me and, I know, all Novocastrians great confidence that our future is in very good hands.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“I'm a very fortunate member of this parliament. I have six surf lifesaving clubs to represent, stretching from Stockton, Nobbys, Newcastle, Cooks Hill, Merewether to Dixon Park. They are all important contributors to our community, but Edith and Hamish are really exceptional examples of young people doing remarkable work. I note that Edith has already helped rescue a struggling swimmer during patrol and Hamish is continuing to dedicate himself to developing and building on his training and skills in protecting beachgoers. As I mentioned, these are not small contributions; these are real acts of service. They make a positive difference. What is so powerful about their stories is that they remind us that leadership doesn't have to wait till adulthood. It's happening right now.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“Congratulations, again, to Karen Whitelaw on receipt of this highly regarded award. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional service of two young Novocastrians, Edith McNamara and Hamish Lawrence, who were recently recognised as the region's Junior Life Savers of the Year. While many teenagers are out enjoying their weekends, Edith and Hamish are out patrolling our beaches to prevent drownings and injuries. They're conducting rescues. They're providing first aid. They're setting up safe swimming zones between the red and yellow flags and educating the public on beach safety. They are making a profound contribution to the community, and they're part of a very long and proud tradition of surf lifesaving in Newcastle, a tradition that's built on volunteerism, responsibility and care for others.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“The recent announcement of winners of the 2026 Newcastle Herald short story competition highlights the depth of creative talent in our region, and I would particularly like to congratulate this year's winner, Karen Whitelaw. Through her writing, Karen has demonstrated the power of storytelling to connect us, to reflect our shared experiences and to shine a light on the moments that define who we are. The competition invites local writers to transform everyday life into something meaningful and memorable: stories that reflect our community, our resilience and our creativity. Competitions like this are so important because they create space for voices to be heard, they encourage people to tell their stories, they build confidence in emerging writers and they remind us of the power of words to bring people together.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“It represents the strength of arts education in our public schools. And I want to give his school a big shout-out. The Hunter School of the Performing Arts, in Broadmeadow, is nurturing lots of new, emerging young talent in our region. It also represents the support of families, teachers and mentors who are involved in nurturing those young people and their talents going forward. And it represents a community that believes in backing young people to dream big. Nicholas is not just representing himself; he's representing Newcastle, and we are incredibly proud of him. I want to recognise the storytellers in our community: those who capture the experiences, emotions and perspectives that make Newcastle unique.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“I rise today to celebrate a remarkable young Novocastrian who is taking our city to the world stage. Nicholas Ridgeway, a talented 17-year-old dancer from Newcastle, has earned the opportunity to represent Australia at the World Dance Movement in Italy. This is an extraordinary achievement from a young person pursuing their passion. Nicholas's journey is one of dedication, discipline and courage. Like so many young people in our community, he has spent countless hours training, refining his craft and striving to be the very best he can be. And now that hard work has paid off—not just with personal success but with the chance to showcase Newcastle's creative talent on the international stage. What stands out about Nicholas's story is not just the achievement itself but what it represents.”
Australian House of Representatives26 March 2026Source ↗
“Anniversaries like this give us an opportunity to pause and recognise the sometimes quiet but no less profound work being done in our communities every day. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you for your passion and commitment to making a positive difference each and every day.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗
“It is important to acknowledge the founder, Melissa Histon, whose compassion, determination and leadership helped turn a grassroots idea into a vital organisation supporting women across Newcastle, the Hunter and beyond. Her vision and the hard work of the board, staff, volunteers, advocates and supporters who have stood alongside her has changed lives. Through practical assistance, mentoring, financial support and simply standing beside women when they need it most, Got Your Back Sista has helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope. Behind this work is an extraordinary community of volunteers, supporters and advocates who believe that no woman should have to face violence alone. The courage of the women who reach out for help and the dedication of those who support them is nothing short of inspiring.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗
“It's about the volunteers who arrive before sunrise to help run events. It's about the families who gather on the sand to watch the next generation of surfers take to the waves. It's about local businesses, community groups and sponsors who come together each year to make it happen. Surfest has helped put Newcastle firmly on the global surfing map, showcasing our beaches, our lifestyle and our love for the ocean. But, just as importantly, it's helped nurture young talent and inspire thousands of people to get in the water and have a go. I also want to acknowledge a remarkable milestone for our community, the 10th anniversary of Got Your Back Sista. For the past decade, Got Your Back Sista has provided life-changing support for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗
“Today I rise to acknowledge two major milestones in my community of Newcastle. This year marks 40 years of Surfest, an event that has become synonymous with Newcastle, our surfing culture and spectacular beaches. What began in 1985 as our local surfing competition has grown into the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere. I especially want to acknowledge the vision of Surfest founder, Warren Smith, whose passion and hard work helped build something truly lasting for our city. His legacy is seen not only in the event itself but also in the generations of surfers, volunteers and supporters who have carried it forward. For four decades, Surfest has welcomed surfers from across Australia and indeed around the globe to our shores. But Surfest is much more than an elite competition.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗
“For the City of Newcastle, this $46 million is more than just a number; it's a reflection of the Albanese Labor government's confidence in our city and its future. It's about backing the people of Newcastle, supporting local jobs, and making sure that our region continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. And I do want to tell you this, Deputy Speaker Buchholz: we are not done. We have great ambitions for Newcastle and the Hunter region, and I know that I and all our colleagues on this side of the House will work hard each and every day to make sure that regions like Newcastle and the Hunter, which contribute so much to the prosperity of the state of New South Wales and indeed our nation, will continue to do so for generations to come.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗
“From improved streetscapes to upgraded footpaths and public spaces, this funding is helping to create places where people want to gather, shop and spend time. And it's those small, everyday improvements that matter just as much—safer footpaths, better accessibility for people with disability, more welcoming public spaces for families. These are investments that deliver an improved quality of life. This is what Labor governments do. They are the kinds of investments we want to make into communities, with the kinds of partnerships that we typically foster and help across this nation with local governments. This is the way we have constructive relations across all levels of government to deliver for our communities. We're delivering the infrastructure that supports growth while helping our cities remain liveable spaces.”
Australian House of Representatives24 March 2026Source ↗