Dear Berowra Resident

Parliament is back — and I’ve been making every moment count both in Canberra and here at home.

This month’s e-newsletter includes:

• Flight path changes are on the way – what does this mean for you?

• How my office can assist – Home Affairs matters

• Mark your calendars – What’s on locally this August!

• Sussan Ley visits Epping

• Asquith Boys High Music, Arts and Drama Night

• Opening of St Patrick's Catholic Primary new facilities

• Epping Scout Hall celebrates its 100th Birthday!

• Pennant Hills Public School Centenary Celebrations

• The 48th Parliament has officially opened

Over the past few weeks, I’ve called for greater transparency from the government, celebrated the achievements of our local schools and young people, and continued to be your voice in the Parliament.

We live in the best community in the country — and I’m working every day to ensure our local area continues to thrive.

As your local representative, my job is to listen and act on your behalf.

Whether you need help with a federal agency, advice on a grant application, or want to share an idea to improve our community, my team and I are here to help.

If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or on (02) 9980 1822.

Kind regards
Julian

FLIGHT PATH CHANGES ARE ON THE WAY - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
 

Following up on my email earlier this week, I would like to remind you that there is still one upcoming local pop-up session to brief our community on the proposed flight path changes for Western Sydney International Airport and Sydney Airport. You can see the flight path changes for both airports here. The opening of Western Sydney International Airport will bring significant changes to our airspace, with the Berowra Electorate facing the prospect of increased aircraft noise and more frequent flight paths directly over our homes, schools, and parks. This is being exacerbated by changes to Sydney Airport’s existing flight paths, meaning some parts of our community could see aircraft overhead from both airports. The details of this session are below.  Dural Community Drop-in Date: Sunday, 10 August Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm Location: Dural Village Markets Dural Club - 662A Old Northern Road, Dural, NSW

These are critical opportunities to ask questions, get further clarity, and hear directly from the experts about what the changes will mean for our community, for you and your home. I strongly encourage you to attend.

 

If you are experiencing difficulties with a visa, citizenship or other immigration matter, my office may be able to assist. 

We can make enquiries with the Department about applications that are outside standard processing times, raise concerns in cases of delay or error, or request further consideration where there are urgent circumstances.

Please note that we cannot fast-track applications, influence decisions made by the Department, or provide legal advice.

Where you have already explored all available avenues, including contacting the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881 or speaking with a registered migration agent, and need support, you can get in touch with my office at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or on (02) 9980 1822. 

There’s plenty happening across our community this August - from model trains and trivia nights to open days, family fun, and local celebrations. I always enjoy catching up with locals at events like these. If you’re attending one, I might see you there!

RSL LifeCare Cherrybrook Gardens Open Day
Friday 1 August, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
📍 RSL LifeCare Cherrybrook Gardens Retirement Village, 10 Casuarina Drive, Cherrybrook
🔗 More info
💰 Free entry
Come and explore the beautiful grounds and meet the community at Cherrybrook Gardens.

Thornleigh Model Railway Exhibition
Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 August, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
📍 Thornleigh Community Hall (next to Bunnings), Cnr Central Ave & Phillis Ave, Thornleigh
🔗 More info
💰 Adults $10, Concession $8, Children $5, Family $25
A must-see event for families and train enthusiasts alike.

Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook: Trivia Night
Saturday 16 August, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm
📍 Cherrybrook Community Centre, Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook
🔗 More info
💰 $25 per person. Book tables of 8.
Support the local Rotary while enjoying a fun and friendly trivia challenge.

MARVEL Trivia Night – Pennant Hills Bowling Club
Saturday 16 August, 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
📍 Pennant Hills Bowling Club, 52 Yarrara Rd, Pennant Hills
🔗 More info
💰 $10 entry
Dress up, bring your superhero knowledge, and have a great night out.

Maroota Muster
Sunday 17 August, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍 Maroota Public School, 4540 Old Northern Rd, Maroota
🔗 More info
💰 Free entry
A wonderful family day out with markets, food, and entertainment for all ages.

Thornleigh Sports Community Day
Sunday 24 August, 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍 Ruddock Park, Westleigh
🔗 More info
💰 Free entry
Celebrate local sport with fun activities, community displays, and a great atmosphere.

Galston500 – Model Railway Festival
Saturday 30 August, 9.30 am – 3.00 pm (rides from 10.00 am)
📍 Galston Valley Railway, 29 Mid Dural Rd, Galston
🔗 More info
💰 Adults $10 (children under 18 free). Pre-booked tickets have priority entry.
A fantastic day out for families and railway enthusiasts, with working miniature trains in a beautiful bushland setting.

Have a community event coming up?
If you’d like your event featured in next month’s newsletter, please email my office at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au
 

LIBERAL LEADER SUSSAN LEY VISITS EPPING
 

Earlier this month, our electorate had the honour of welcoming back Sussan Ley, the Leader of the Opposition, for the first time since her election as leader in May.

Sussan has visited our community on several occasions, most recently in October last year, and it was a pleasure to host her again.

During her visit, Sussan and I held a Chinese community leaders roundtable in Epping, hearing directly from local voices on how we can better serve and represent the Chinese community in our area.

As Sussan said, conversations like these help ensure our policies reflect the aspirations of the communities we represent.

Berowra is one of the most diverse electorates in the country - a reflection of modern Australia and a great example of our multicultural story in action.

I know Sussan is looking forward to returning throughout the term to meet more of our community. 

Thursday, 3 July marked Asquith Boys High School’s final MAD (Music & Drama) Night - a showcase of the incredible talent across the school’s bands, performers, and Year 12 music students.

With Asquith Boys and Girls transitioning to co-educational learning next year, this year’s event was especially significant. Students from Years 7 to 12 performed a mix of classics and new hits, and HSC students presented their Major Projects - the result of months of hard work.

The night also highlighted student achievement in drama, video production, and AV technology. Year 7 students produced a fun superhero video using green screen and editing software, while a student crew livestreamed the event with roaming cameras and live audio.

It was a pleasure to join students, families, and staff for such a vibrant celebration. As Shadow Minister for the Arts, I’m proud to support programs like this and I am excited to see what lies ahead for our talented young people.

It was a wonderful to join the St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School community in Asquith for the official opening of their newly upgraded facilities following an $8 million renovation.

The works include modernised classrooms, improved administration areas, and essential drainage upgrades - a major investment in the future of local students and teachers.

I had the honour of unveiling a commemorative plaque alongside Broken Bay Bishop Anthony Randazzo, who blessed each new classroom and spoke to students about their learning. It was clear just how much these improvements mean to the school community.

During my visit, I spoke with a Year 5 class reading a book about federal politics. We had a great discussion about leadership and what it means to serve your community.

St Patrick’s was established in 1958 and continues to play a vital role in the life of local families. I congratulate the school and Diocese for delivering these outstanding upgrades.

Epping Scout Hall turned 100 this month, and the Scouts put on a terrific celebration to mark the occasion.

Epping Scouts has some of the best facilities and strongest traditions in local scouting. Generations of young people have walked through the doors of the Essex Street hall - and in the audience were people who’ve been part of the group for over 60 of its 100 years.

As part of the day, we unveiled a commemorative plaque, shared a morning tea, and heard about the group’s plans for the future. It was a celebration of service, leadership, and community - everything Scouting represents.

Epping Scouts continues to be a place where young people can learn, grow and contribute. It’s been a big part of life for so many local families, and I know it will continue to be for many years to come.

You can find out more about Epping Scouts here.

Here’s to the next hundred years.

On July 22^nd, I was sworn in as a member of the 48th Parliament and Parliament sat for the first time since the election.It is an honour to have the opportunity to represent our community for another three years.

As the Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for the Arts, I am also able to bring our community’s voice right to the heart of our decision making as an Opposition. 

With more sitting days ahead, I've already risen in Parliament to speak on the issues that matter to our community and to acknowledge those who help make it the vibrant place it is today.. You read my speeches below. 
 

Acknowledging the need for greater support to our small businesses

The importance of learning about the Victory in the Pacific 

Parliamentary Delegation to Canada and to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Beecroft Rotary Youth Awards

Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 

Kings Scout Awardee - Alyssa Eden

Epping Scout Hall turns 100

Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention