Welcome to my April Newsletter

In this edition you will find:

👶 A New Arrival, and a Note from My Family 
🏅 ANZAC Day
🏗️ Community Building Partnership 2026
🚦 Stuck at the Lights: What I'm Doing About It
📜 North Rocks Public School Visits NSW Parliament 
🏊 An Update on Dence Park
📢 Epping Bridge: Where Things Stand

A new arrival, and a note from my family

Welcome to my April newsletter.  

Last week, Tim and I welcomed our third child, Jude. I'm so grateful for the wonderful paramedics, nurses, and midwives who supported us through the pregnancy and birth. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be stepping back to spend some precious time with my growing family, but my office will remain fully operational and ready to assist with any concerns or questions.  

ANZAC Day

Last week, our communities commemorated ANZAC Day. I would like to thank the Epping RSL sub-branch and Beecroft Rotary for putting on ANZAC Services for the community. 

Each ANZAC Day we pause as a nation to honour the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the men and women who have served - and continue to serve - our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.

From the shores of Gallipoli to every corner of the world where Australians have stood for freedom and justice, the ANZAC legacy lives on. It lives on in the values we hold dear - mateship, courage, endurance, and selflessness - and in the way we come together as a community to remember and reflect.

Let us also acknowledge the families who carry the legacy of service, and the veterans in our own communities who have given so much. We owe them not only our gratitude, but our commitment - to care for them, to learn from their stories, and to work toward a more peaceful and united future.

Last week, I attended the Epping Heights Public School Anzac Day Ceremony. It was great to see so many students respectfully participating in moving musical performances, speeches and the laying of floral tributes. It is so important for Australian kids to understand the courage, sacrifice and history that shaped our country. 

May this ANZAC Day strengthen our resolve to honour the past, support one another in the present, and shape a better future for all.

Lest we forget.

Do you know or are you an organisation that could use a grant to bring a project to life?  

The Community Building Partnership Grants have opened for 2026.  

Community organisations, including sporting clubs, community pre-schools and volunteer organisations can apply for grants between $10,000 to $100,000 which can fund new community infrastructure, freestanding equipment, and registered vehicles to support the delivery of community services.  

If this funding could help your local community organisation, I strongly encourage you to apply. Expressions of Interest close on 8 May 2026.  

Click here to find out more about eligibility and the application process. 

Carlingford Scouts Gets a Brand New Kitchen 

One of the organisations that received a grant in 2025 was the Carlingford Scouts. They received a $29,360 Community Building Partnership Grant, which they used to upgrade the kitchen in their Scout Hall. I popped down to look at the completed kitchen and talk to the scouts and their families about the difference it will make to them. Loved the choice of sage for the colour scheme. Can't wait to see what the scouts cook up! 

Stuck at the lights: What I'm doing about it

At the start of the year, I asked for your feedback on where I should focus my efforts for our community. The number one issue was traffic and intersections. Below you will find some updates on what I’ve been doing to try and fix just some of the worst intersections.  

Evans Road & Pennant Hills Road Intersection

The intersection of Pennant Hills Rd and Evans Rd is not only frustrating for drivers but unsafe. The current construction of the Meriton development will add 367 new residences, shopping and a childcare centre, adding yet more pressure on this intersection. As part of the development approval for the Meriton site, the NSW State Government approved the installation of traffic lights back in 2024.  

Since then, there has been no further work, and the project remains in limbo.  Given this delay and inaction from the NSW Government, Parramatta Council undertook a traffic study.  This study has confirmed what everyone already knows: the roads around the new development are already at capacity, even before the new development is complete, and that urgent upgrades are required.  

I wrote to the NSW Roads Minister seeking confirmation of the installation going ahead. The response I received provided no confirmation of the lights being installed but of more concern, the NSW Roads Minister advised that there is no funding for the project, and they are still looking for a funding source!

My next task is to get to the bottom of how the Government can claim to have no funding available for this project despite development contributions. I won’t hold my breath on getting a straight answer and in the meantime will call on the Government to confirm funding in this year’s Budget.  

Carlingford Road & Ray Road Intersection

Another issue-plagued intersection is Carlingford Rd, Beecroft Rd, Rawson St and Ray Rd. In the Epping Town Centre Master Plan, Parramatta Council proposes to make Rawson St one-way, which would be the most significant intervention to improve traffic, short of building a tunnel under the whole intersection (I’m realistic that this unlikely to happen!). In the meantime, I've been pushing the Government for more immediate action.  

I'm pleased to share that, as a result of my lobbying, the NSW Government has reviewed the intersection's signal timing with changes now in place to give Ray Rd traffic more time on a green light, allowing more vehicles to move safely and efficiently through to Carlingford Rd. 

North Rocks Public School visits NSW Parliament

It was great to have students from the North Rocks Public School Student Parliament come and visit me in Parliament House. The students received a tour of Parliament House, watched Question Time, and received a presentation in the Jubilee Room. Throughout the day, they had lots of opportunities to discuss and ask questions to better understand our system of Parliament in NSW. I was amazed at how much these students already knew about Parliament, giving me a glimpse of NSW's bright future in politics!  

An Update on Dence Park

I haven’t forgotten about Dence Park. I continue to work closely with the Parramatta Council Mayor and local Councillors to get a resolution on the funding for Dence Park’s redevelopment. The sticking point at the moment is being able to re-purpose funding from the NSW Government for a re-scoped pool development. I wrote to the Local Government Minister to support Parramatta Council’s case for being able to use the State Government grant. I understand that the Mayor also met with the Local Government Minister to put forward the Council’s case in person; an update on the outcome that discussion will hopefully be available soon. 

Epping Bridge: Where things stand

As someone who frequently drives across the Epping Bridge, I understand the long delays that set so many people back by 10-20 minutes every day.  

Regardless of your opinion on this project, the fact is that the Government has made a commitment to widen the bridge. I’m concerned that there has been no major update on the project since November 2025, and no visible works are currently being undertaken.  

I’ve been seeking updates from the Government about the next tranche of works.  

This is the project’s website where you can see that no update has been provided since November last year: Epping Bridge Project.  

Kind Regards,

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 Combined Probus Club Inc
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.

The hall is closed for renovations until the end of March.  However, 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 enquires@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 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 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 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 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’s fun, social and great for your brain? Parramatta Bridge Club is running Beginner Bridge Lessons on Monday 23 February, 7–9pm 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. You can find more information by contacting 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.