An Update on Epping Bridge, a New Policy on Planning for our Suburbs, and more
Welcome to my August Newsletter
Welcome to my August Newsletter
I recently attended the Epping RSL's commemoration of Victory in the Pacific Day. Listening to the reflections shared on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the generations who came before us and whose sacrifices shaped our national story.
Victory in the Pacific Day is a reminder that the war came close to our shores, and that its outcome was not inevitable. Allied Forces prevailed, but that victory came at great cost. Many Australians never returned home, and their families carried that loss for the rest of their lives.
We should be proud that the Epping Cenotaph stands as a permanent legacy to this sacrifice.
I wrapped up another sitting week in Parliament, where I stood up to fight for lights at Evans Rd, spoke about the importance of growing the NSW economy and recognised an outstanding individual from our community Wayne Finch.
In this newsletter:
🏗️ An Update on Epping Bridge (Hint: it's been delayed)
✍️ A New Policy on Planning for our Suburbs
🏥 Standing Up for Western Sydney's Hospitals
đź’˛ A Wrap on my Cost of Living Event
âš˝ Around the Grounds
đź‘Ź Congrats to our Local Business Winners
🌳 A Win for Cheltenham
🗓️ Out and About
An Update on Epping Bridge (Hint: it's been delayed)
In 2023, Labor announced the Epping Bridge upgrade. Construction was meant to start last year in 2025.
While there has been some early works, construction on the project has not started. The last update to the community was November 2025. So, I started asking questions to find out more. I got non-answers back.
Then on 12 August 2026, the Sydney Morning Herald revealed the main contract has been delayed, with the Government terminating an expression of interest process for contractors. The NSW Labor Government loves a photo op but hates a deadline. (you can see my comments below.
I recognise that not everyone agrees widening the Epping Bridge is the best solution to traffic congestion in the area. But that's not my main concern. My objection is that the Government has committed funding to this project while refusing to answer reasonable questions about it.
I will be asking more questions of the Minister in Budget Estimates.
A New Policy on Planning for our Suburbs
I believe more housing supply is part of the housing affordability puzzle (though it is only one piece alongside demand, construction costs, and red and green tape). At the same time, I understand that many local Councils feel that they are best placed to plan where density should go, taking into account community needs and existing infrastructure like roads.
One policy from the Government has been to strip Councils of their planning powers, by mandating that they cannot reject development applications, within a certain zone. It's a one-size fits all policy that doesn't actually fit.
We've put forward a plan to give Councils more flexibility when it comes to building houses. Where a Council can demonstrate it will meet housing targets through its own local plans, it should be able to opt out of the Government's rigid planning controls and pursue its own strategy.
Standing Up for Western Sydney's Hospitals
Our frontline health workers are doing an incredible job under enormous pressure, but our hospitals are overwhelmed.
Each winter our emergency departments must take on more patients, dealing with presentations of patients with the flu and RSV. The AMA has been trying to work with the Government to better prepare for this demand, which they say is 'predictable'. Yet, the Government has failed to respond. Instead, our emergency Departments have buckled, with patients suffering the consequences.
You can see the question I asked of the Minister for Western Sydney on this topic in Question Time here.
If you've recently had a bad experience with our Emergency Departments, please get in touch. Your experiences keep the Government accountable for the delivery of health services.
A Wrap on my Cost of Living Event
There was a great turn out for my Cost-of-Living Session delivered in partnership with Service NSW at Boronia Grove.
Did you know that you can make an appointment with Service NSW to go through all the rebates on offer with a Service NSW staff member? You can make an appointment here.
There were a couple of initiatives on offer from Service NSW that most people didn't know about, so I've included some links below:
Around the Grounds
Congratulations to Epping Eastwood Tigers FC for being awarded a $8,571 grant from the Local Sport Grant Program. This has been used to invest in football equipment upgrades for female players.
I also recognised Epping Eastwood Tigers’ u15 women’s team in Parliament and presented them with a certificate for being this season’s Premiers – I wish them all the best for the finals!
Congrats to our Local Business Winners
I've been out talking to small businesses across our suburbs to hear directly from them about what is making it hard for them to do business (hint: it’s the economy!)
If you run a small business and haven't already, you can take my small business survey here.
You can see my speech to Parliament here, talking about the importance of our local economies and the need to see the NSW economy grow. We have a plan to cut payroll tax and the regulations that make doing business hard.
Many of our local businesses were recently celebrated at awards across our community. You can see the list of nominees here and a special congratulations to the following businesses who took home awards on the night:
A Win for Cheltenham
You may recall that in a previous newsletter, I mentioned that I was working with Councillor Verity Greenwood on allowing Lyne Road Reserve to be an off-leash dog park. Well in good news for dog owners, the reserve is now fully fenced and gated along the Lyne Road side. This fence will make it safer for kids at the playground, pedestrians and motorists whilst still allowing dogs to enjoy the off-leash space. Thank you Verity.
Out and About
Until my next newsletter,
Monica Tudehope MP
Member for Epping
Epping Community Notice Board
Want to hear the latest news about upcoming grants, forums, available award programs and events? Make sure your details are up to date, click on the button below.
Beecroft LAWN Tennis Club Inc
As one of the longest operating Tennis Clubs in Sydney, the Beecroft Lawn Tennis Club Inc., boasts both lawn and synthetic grass tennis courts to its Members and Hirers.
Our two synthetic tennis courts are equipped with the latest high tech LED lighting which brings daylight to nighttime tennis and at very competitive rates.
Have you ever really wondered what it would be like to play tennis on real lawn, just like at Wimbledon? Now is your chance, right here at Beecroft.
Whether you wish to join our very friendly club or simply hire a court, full details of the Club and its people can be found on https://beecrofttennis.com.au or email us on info@beecroftlawntennis.org.au
Beecroft Combined Probus Club
Beecroft Combined Probus Club is dedicated to fostering friendship, connection and active living for its members. The Club exists solely to serve the Probus community and is non-political
Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month (February–December) at St John’s Church Hall (corner of Beecroft Road and Chapman Street, Beecroft).
For enquiries, please contact Suzanne Brady (Secretary) at bcprobussecretary@gmail.com. More information is available at www.beecroftcombinedprobusclub.org.au.
Beecroft Community Hall/Craft and Conversation
The Hornsby Hub and Ku-Ring-Gai Neighbourhood Centre sponsors Craft and Conversation every Wednesday during the school term from 9.30am until 12.30pm. This promotes connection amongst retirees and all who come along. The hall also has space for other activities.
If you are interested in joining Craft and Conversation or booking the hall, please phone Roslyn Hayes on 0414 146 139.
Carlingford SOS (Switched On Seniors)
Carlingford SOS is a welcoming social group for retirees and seniors, offering a relaxed and friendly weekly morning tea with opportunities to connect, learn and be entertained. Morning tea is held every Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:00am in the Community Room on the 3rd Floor of Carlingford Court Shopping Centre.
The cost is $10 at the door, with no joining fees, and each week features a guest speaker or entertainment. Programs are available from Guest Services at Carlingford Court. For more information, visit www.sosclub.au or contact Dianna Hammond at dianna8@bigpond.net.au.
Cheltenham Recreation Club
Cheltenham Recreation Club is a welcoming community club offering Tennis, Croquet and Real Tennis for all ages. Located at 60–74 The Crescent, Cheltenham NSW 2119, the club is open seven days a week from 9am until late.
For membership and program enquiries, visit www.thecheltenhamclub.com.au or contact Salvatore Barbera on 0435 924 483 or via email at enquiries@thecheltenhamclub.com.au.
Epping Civic Trust
Epping Civic Trust is a long-standing volunteer organisation that has represented local residents for more than 50 years. The Trust works to improve life in Epping, with a strong focus on development, infrastructure and the local environment. Quarterly newsletters are shared with members and are also available on the Trust’s website at: www.eppingcivictrust.org.
Quarterly public meetings are held at the Epping Church of Christ Hall, 31 Bridge Street, Epping, commencing at 7:30pm on the third Tuesday of February, May, August and November, and feature guest speakers. Enquiries can be directed to Judith Dawes, President, at eppingcivictrust@gmail.com.
Epping Scout Group
Epping Scout Group delivers youth programs and services that support personal development, leadership and community involvement for young people of all ages. Activities are tailored to different age groups, with meeting locations and times varying accordingly.
For enquiries and further information, please contact Simone Haider at: simone.haider@nsw.scouts.com.au
Epping Football Club
Epping Football Club offers soccer competitions across both the summer and winter seasons. The club welcomes players of all ages and skill levels and hosts games and training sessions at West Epping Park. For more information about registration, teams or upcoming seasons, please contact Malcolm Arnold on 0448 555 058.
Epping Senior Citizen Club Inc (ESCC)
ESCC is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation offering a wide range of activities designed to support seniors’ health, wellbeing and social connection. Through ten different community activities, the Club helps improve physical fitness and balance, while reducing the risk of falls, depression and loneliness. ESCC provides a pleasant and welcoming environment where older residents can make friends and enjoy staying active.
The Club is led by President and contact person Cathy So, who can be contacted at eppingseniorcitizenclub@gmail.com. ESCC is located at 1 Chambers Court, Epping, beneath the Library in the Epping Leisure & Learning Centre.
North Epping Men’s Shed (NEMS)
North Epping Men’s Shed is a welcoming community space where men and women of all ages come together to learn new skills, work on projects and enjoy good company. Our Shed offers well‑equipped woodworking and metalworking facilities, hands‑on training, interest groups, community projects and social activities that support wellbeing, purpose and connection.
New members are always welcome — whether you’re keen to make things, volunteer your time, learn something new or simply meet others in a friendly, supportive environment.
NEMS is located at 130 Boundary Road, North Epping NSW 2121 – nems.org.au. For enquiries, please email info@nems.org.au or visit the Shed during opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat, 8am–2pm.
North Epping Probus Club
North Epping Probus Club welcomes both men and women retirees and semi-retirees who want to stay socially connected, active, and engaged in life after work. Members enjoy friendship, shared interests, social activities, travel opportunities, and lifelong learning experiences.
The Club meets on the third Monday of each month at the North Epping Bowling Club, Boundary Road North Epping. For enquiries, please contact the secretary, Garry Humphrey, at secneprobus2@gmail.com.
North Rocks Football Club
North Rocks Football Club offers community football for children, youth and adults across the electorate. Training runs on weeknights with games on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays at North Rocks Oval, Hazel Ryan Oval and Murray Farm Reserve. For more information contact Jessica Squillacioti at nrsfc.president@gmail.com or visit their website.
Northwest Sydney Tennis
Northwest Sydney Tennis is a community tennis centre offering competitive play, social tennis and professional coaching for players of all ages and abilities. The centre caters to juniors, adults and seniors, with programs running throughout the week and school holiday camps available.
Activities are based at 97 Midson Road, Epping, with an additional centre at Britannia Street, Pennant Hills. For enquiries, please contact Jackie De Vivo (Manager) on (02) 9481 0970 or email info@northwestsydneytennis.com.au.
Parramatta Bridge Club
Ever wanted to learn a new card game that is fun, social and great for your brain? Parramatta Bridge Club welcomes new members and runs beginner lessons throughout the year at Burnside Community Hall in Oatlands. Bridge is played by millions around the world and is a wonderful way to meet people and challenge your mind.
For more information contact President Margaret East at parramattabridgeclub@gmail.com
Parramatta Women's Shed
Parramatta Women’s Shed is a welcoming community organisation focused on woodworking, artisan crafts and DIY skill-sharing. The Shed provides a supportive space for women to learn new skills, share knowledge and build strong community connections.
President and contact person Alison Pryor can be reached at parramatta.womens.shed@gmail.com or on 0497 423 998. Shed activities are held at the corner of Wade and Shortland Street, Telopea, with postal correspondence to 9/52 West Parade, West Ryde.
Rotary Club of Epping
To improve the wellbeing of our community and to foster international understanding through the actions of Epping Club members. Embracing Rotary Ideals.
Meetings at the Epping Rotary Community Hall 1-3 Brigg Road, Epping
Meeting times 6.00pm for 6.30pm on Mondays. Contact the Secretary - Ian Stephenson
0422 541 266 ian_stephenson2001@yahoo.com.
Sydney Real Tennis
Sydney Real Tennis offers opportunities for players of all ages to learn and enjoy the historic sport of Real Tennis. The club is based at 60–74 The Crescent, Cheltenham NSW 2119, and operates seven days a week from 9am until late, welcoming both beginners and experienced players.
For more information about lessons, memberships or court bookings, visit www.sydneyrealtennis.com.au or contact Alex Marino-Hume on 0466 591 907 or via email at pros@sydneyrealtennis.com.au.
The 1st Carlingford Scout Group
The 1st Carlingford Scout Group is a youth group for kids aged 5-18 years! They meet at Carlingford Scout Hall, 20 Boundary Rd, Carlingford, on various days and times.
If you're interested in joining or want more info, get in touch with Leonie Plummer on 0412 878 873 or Leonie.plummer@nsw.scouts.com.au. Also, their hall is available for community groups to hire, and they will run a Christmas Tree Sale on 5 Dec 2026!
West Epping Uniting Church
Join us at West Epping Uniting Church on Carlingford Road, Epping! Our "Friday Discovery" Seniors Group meets on the 3rd Friday of each month at 10am. We also host Playgroup and Mahjong on Tuesday mornings, Mainly Music on Wednesday mornings, and other various adult groups. Contact Church Office (Thursday and Friday 8.30am - 2.30pm) Phone 9868 3574 or weppinguca@gmail.com for more information.
