Dear Berowra Resident,

This newsletter covers some important information on how I can assist, what is happening in our community and paying recognition to those who make our community better every day. 

This edition includes: 

• What's on this September! 
• How my office can assist with NDIS matters, and its upcoming changes
• Standing with our Persian and Indian Communities
• Bowel Cancer Awareness
• Fighting for more parking in Epping 
• Continuing to support you through the airport flight path changes 
• Muogamarra Nature Reserve
• Visiting Barker's campus in Arnhem Land
• 175 Years of West Pennant Hills Public School
• Celebrating our young athletes.
• 80 Years of Middle Dural Rural Fire Brigade.
• Maroota Muster 2025
• Welcoming our newest citizens
• Marian College Creative Arts Festival
• The Theatre on Chester @ Epping
• Excelsia College opens in Pennant Hills
• Hornsby Art Society

I am here to represent you, and my team and I are always ready to assist with your concerns.

Whether you need help dealing with a federal agency, advice on a grant application, or want to share ideas to improve our community, we are here to support you.

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

Kind regards,
Julian

There is lots on this September across the electorate! From spring fairs to woodchops, there’s plenty for the whole family. I hope to see you there!

📌 Normanhurst Uniting Church Musical Society 
🗓️ Saturday 13 September - Saturday 27 September 
📍 Normanhurst Uniting Church, Buckingham Avenue, Normanhurst, NSW 2076
💰 Adult $40, Concession $30, Child $20
🔗 https://nucms.org/boxoffice/
📧 bookings@nucms.org

📌 Warrah Spring Picnic
🗓️ Saturday 13 September, 11.00 am – 2.00 pm
📍 Warrah Specialist School, 20 Harris Road, Dural NSW
💰 Free
🔗 warrah.org.au/spring-picnic-2025
📧 Leanne Hall – lhall@warrahspecialistschool.nsw.edu.au

📌 Kenthurst Fair
🗓️ Sunday 14 September 2025, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
📍 John Benyon Rotary Park, 135 Kenthurst Rd, Kenthurst NSW 2156
💰 Free
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093102994751
📧 rotaryclubkenthurst@hotmail.com

📌 Westleigh RFS Open Day
🗓️ Saturday 20 September 2025, 10.00 am – 2:30 pm
📍 10 Warrigal Drive, Westleigh NSW 2120
💰 Free
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1AWFM5GowS/

📌 Cherrybrook RFS Get Ready Weekend Open Day
🗓️ Sunday 21 September 2025, 11.00 am – 2:00 pm
📍 Cherrybrook Rural Fire Station - 58-62 Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook
💰 Free
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/events/1455341322319634/

📌 Northholm Spring Festival
🗓️ Sunday 21 September, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
📍 Northholm Grammar School, 79 Cobah Road, Arcadia
💰 Free 
🔗 facebook.com/groups/northholmspringfestival
📧 ngspandc@northholm.nsw.edu.au

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

If you are having difficulty in accessing your NDIS services, my office may be able to assist.

We can make enquiries with the NDIA regarding delays in decisions and accessing further information which might help you or your family.

When you have explored all available avenues, including contacting the NDIS on 1800 800 110, and you need further support, please let me know.

The Government has also announced upcoming changes to the NDIS.

We are awaiting the full details of this announcement, but what we know is from 1 July 2026, the Government will introduce a new program called Thriving Kids. This program is designed for children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism, and will provide support through community services, schools and Medicare rather than individual NDIS plans.

Once Thriving Kids is fully in place by mid-2027, new early-childhood entrants with mild to moderate needs will use this program instead of the NDIS. Current reports say that if your child is already on the NDIS, they will stay in the scheme, subject to the usual review process.

I will continue to monitor this and my office will be able to provide any updates should you need assistance. 

 

In recent weeks, we have seen further disruptions to our social cohesion here in Australia.

All law-abiding citizens, no matter their background, deserve the full protection of the law.

For years, the Persian community locally have been living with real concerns about possible IRGC infiltration.

This is why for years I have been calling for the Albanese Government to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, and although they had to be dragged kicking and screaming, we welcome that they have finally taken this long overdue step.

It is a decision that brings reassurance to Persian Australians who have been calling for action for years, and I hope this bring increased safety to the community because of it.

Following the listing, I spoke in the Parliament about its impact, which you can read more about here.

I also want to apologise for comments made last week by one of my colleagues which have caused hurt to the Indian Australian community.

You can see a speech I delivered at the IABBV Hindi School on these matters, here.

The contribution of Indian Australians to our community and the broader Australian community is nothing short of extraordinary.

For decades, the Liberal Party has supported a non-discriminatory immigration policy, and we continue to value and celebrate the contribution of Indian Australians to our national life.

In terms of Australia's with India, it was a Coalition government that signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia. It was a Coalition government that signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement in 2022. And it was a Coalition government that revived the Quad.

These are not just pieces of paper – they are strategic partnerships that have drawn our nations closer together, creating opportunities for trade, education, technology and security, and enriching both societies.

I will always stand with our Indian Australian community.

I will always stand with our Persian Australian community.

And I will always stand with every law-abiding citizen who wants nothing more than to live in safety, freedom and dignity in our country.

Andrew Saliba is a member of a celebrated Lebanese Australian family in our community. At just 36 years old, he was told by his doctor that he was too young to have anything seriously wrong with him. However, months later, he was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. With two young daughters at home, Andrew knew he had to fight, and, after three years, he is now cancer free.

Every day though, Andrew still faces struggles, from bathroom habits to the physical toll of treatment. At one point, he feared he'd never be able to work as an electrician again.

Andrew's story reminds us of a hard truth. Bowel cancer isn't just something older people get; it's the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25 to 54.

Each year, more than 1,700 Australians under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Bowel cancer rates are now two to three times higher among Australians born in the nineties than those born in the 1950s.

Too often, young people experiencing symptoms are told they're just too young for bowel cancer. This means young people take, on average, 60 per cent longer to receive a diagnosis, often at a later stage when outcomes are much worse.

That's why Bowel Cancer Australia's Never2Young campaign is so important in raising awareness, calling for a lower screening age, ensuring prompt GP referral, improving treatment pathways and funding more research. Andrew Saliba's courage in sharing his story will encourage others to get checked and remind us all, importantly, that no-one's ever too young to get tested for bowel cancer. 

I gave this speech in the Parliament, which you can find, here.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the new Western Sydney International Airport flight paths will impact some areas our electorate.

Airservices Australia in the past few weeks have held drop-in sessions in Berowra and Dural, and my office will continue to make representations, ensuring our community gets the answers they need.

Please let my office know if we can provide answers to any questions you might have about these changes. You can get in touch with my office at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or on (02) 9980 1822. 

Our community is blessed to be home to beautiful National Parks and Reserves, Muogamarra Nature Reserve is one such place. Located near Cowan, is a truly remarkable sanctuary brimming with native wildflowers, scenic views over the Hawkesbury River and Aboriginal rock engravings.

It is only open to the public each year for a limited 6 week period which this year has been running from 9 August and will conclude on 15 September.  

To visit, you must pre-book either a guided or self-guided tour through NSW National Parks. Spaces are limited and often sell out quickly. 

My family was lucky enough to visit recently and it was an incredible experience. Thank you to Joanne, Jen, Cheenu and Mark for hosting us and introducing us to this extraordinary place in our community.

Barker College in Hornsby operates three Indigenous campuses, including Dhupuma Barker in Arnhem Land, a bilingual K–6 school achieving strong results, high attendance, and even world robotics finalists.

While I was attending the Garma Festival in the NT a few weeks ago as Shadow Attorney-General, I joined Head of Barker College Phillip Heath AM to view progress on Dhupuma’s new purpose-built facilities, supported by $2.2 million in Federal funding.

Designed in partnership with the Yolŋu community, the campus reflects local identity through its circular cultural layout. Dhupuma Barker strengthens the bond between our Berowra community and Arnhem Land.

I recently had the privilege of attending the 175th anniversary of West Pennant Hills Public School, founded in 1850 when public education in NSW was still in its infancy.

From lessons in church halls and weather sheds to today’s thriving community, the school’s journey to where it is today is an incredible story.

I commend Principal Donna Harris, staff, the P&C, volunteers, and generations of families for their dedication. Congratulations to West Pennant Hills Public School on 175 years of service and achievement.

This month I was privileged to host two ceremonies celebrating the thirty young recipients of the Federal Government’s most recent Local Para Champions and Local Sporting Champions grant programs.

I extend my sincere thanks to Paralympian Ellie Cole AM PLY and Olympian Ellen Roberts OLY, both from our local community, for addressing the ceremonies and their inspiring words for these young athletes.

I would also like to again congratulate and acknowledge the talented young athletes of our community. 

In swimming: Abbey Gibbons, Elodie Sebire and Michael Williams.

In athletics: Cooper Robb-Jackson.

In wheelchair sport: Evander Conroy and Hamish Muir have carried the banner of our community with distinction, while Zara Perry proudly represented Australia in Goalball.
 

Alongside them are our local sporting champions.

In athletics: Issac Portelli, Mathias Hutchens, Sophia Cottrell, Aniela Knight, Zachary Leung, Cameron Leung, Jack Proudford, Ivy Yang, Amy Campbell, Thomas Scodellaro, Alexander Braendle, Justin Billingsley and Blake Billingsley.

In swimming: Emma Cherry, Lily Sumner and Alannah Sumner.

We also celebrate Georgie Davidson in hockey and Curtis Pepper in rowing.

In team sports: Eva Zhang and Zak Morson in water polo; Ryan Chou, Kobi McPherson, Christian Morrison, Kai Ueki and Kimi Soong in bastketball; and Logan Bubb and Ava Jones, who represented Australia in touch football.

I also spoke about our sporting champions in Parliament which you can read here.

I was recently invited to attend the Middle Dural Rural Fire Brigade’s 80th anniversary celebrations alongside many members of the local community.

This celebration highlighted the remarkable service of volunteers past and present, with nine National Medals and five Long Service Medals presented. It was particularly special to see Len Best AFSM recognised for more than 66 years of service, including 25 years as Captain.

I also want to acknowledge Ken Middleton and Jim Smith AFSM for their longstanding and ongoing work with the Middle Dural RFS. 

Congratulations to the Brigade on 80 years of protecting our community and keeping us safe. It has been a privilege supporting Middle Dural RFS, and I look forward to continuing to do so in years to come.

MAROOTA MUSTER 2025

The Maroota Muster is one of the highlights of the year for families right across the north of our electorate. It was great to attend a few weeks ago with my kids and share in the wonderful community spirit.

Held at Maroota Public School each August, the event is the school’s major fundraiser and brings the community together to join in the fun. From rides and face-painting to the petting zoo, sheep-shearing displays, and classic car exhibits, there’s really something for everyone.

As always, it was great to see David Camilleri, whose family had attended the school for generations, back on the chocolate wheel. 

Congratulations to Principal Ann Smith, P&C President Sarah Dobson and the committee, staff, and the entire school community for what was another fantastic Maroota Muster. 

WELCOMING OUR NEWEST CITIZENS
 

Recently, I was honoured to attend two citizenship ceremonies hosted by Hornsby Council and The Hills Shire Council. At these ceremonies, 100 candidates from 28 countries were conferred as Australian citizens.

Each candidate has chosen to make our community their home, contributing their skills, values and stories.

I was especially pleased to attend the citizenship ceremony of my friend Rev Soma Thero Katugasthota, the Chief Bhanthe of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastry of Sydney.

Citizenship ceremonies are always a proud moment for our community, and I always enjoy getting to meet our community’s newest citizens.

Kenthurst’s Marian Catholic College recently held its annual MCCAF night, celebrating the rich artistic talent of its students.

More than 100 young performers took to the stage, presenting an impressive program that spanned classical works by Franz Liszt to the contemporary smash hits of Lady Gaga.

With music, dance and drama all on display, the evening showed the creativity and dedication of the Marian school community.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to such a memorable event.
 

Epping's The Theatre on Chester is nearly 70 years old.

Its latest production of Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound played last month and was incredible.

The play tells the story of three generations of a Jewish family struggling to stay together between a mother holding the family together despite the the infidelities of her husband, the burden of her father and the ambitions of his children to “make it" in America.

Directed by Carla Moore, it had brilliant performances from Catherine Potter, Nick Roberts, Jordan Andrews, Cameron Sutton, Ross Alexander and Cassie Gorman. 

EXCELSIA COLLEGE OPENS IN PENNANT HILLS
 

Excelsia College has delivered quality tertiary education in Sydney since 1983. What began with just 80 students has now grown into a thriving community of more than 4,000.

Offering courses in education, counselling, business, creative and performing arts, and music, Excelsia continues to inspire the next generation.

I was delighted to join them for the opening of their new Pennant Hills campus, an exciting milestone for the College. Congratulations to the entire Excelsia team on this new chapter.

Content Submitted by Hornsby Art Society

Hornsby Art Society is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering visual arts and cultural life in Hornsby Shire.

The Society hosts regular exhibitions at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre and at Westfield Hornsby, while also partnering with Hornsby Shire Council on major events such as Remagine and the Hornsby Art Prize.

It also runs a Young Artists’ Competition for 5–15 year olds, as well as workshops, demonstrations, and special interest groups in life drawing, portraiture, painting, and plein air art. You can find out more here: hornsbyartsociety.com.au