Welcome to my March Newsletter

In this edition you will find:

⛽ An update on fuel 
💁‍♀️ Meet your Epping Woman of the Year 
🏫 Beecroft Public School's new playground
🧒 Cost of Living Relief - Before and After School Care 
📢 Out and About in the Electorate
🏛️ An update on housing

An update on fuel 

Families across our community are feeling the pressure of rising fuel costs.  For many people, filling up the car is not optional. It is how they get to work, how they get their children to school, and how they keep their households running.  

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to download the Fuel Check App 

There are lots of policy responses that are being put forward to respond to the increase in costs and provide some relief to families. I’ve called for free public transport on the Easter Long Weekend, which has been rejected by the Government. 

To make matters worse, the metro will be shut for testing over the Easter Long Weekend. I will be joining calls for the Government to temporarily halt testing to encourage families to take public transport over the long weekend. 

Meet your Epping Woman of the Year 

Each year, I get to nominate a woman from our community who exemplifies our area. This year, that woman is Sharon Kwok. Sharon manages the Epping West Youth Band. She does this role alongside all her other roles, including being a Mum, a professional and a carer. Her passion for the Epping West Youth Band comes from wanting to provide musical opportunities for young people in our community.  If you want to find out more about the Epping West Youth Band, you can check them out here.  Congratulations and thank you Sharon! 

In addition to celebrating Sharon, I had an opportunity to celebrate a number of events across the electorate, including at local high schools, business chambers and Parramatta Council. I also joined the NSW Multicultural Communities Association (NMCA) International Women's Day celebration, which brought together women from across our multicultural community. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful event and a reminder of how much strength there is in our community. 

There are many women doing incredible things across our electorate, many of them volunteers. I would love to see them celebrated all year round, not just on one day. If you know someone who deserves recognition, you can nominate them here.  

Beecroft Public School's New Playground

As a parent, I know the importance of kids having space to play and connect when at school. Thanks to the Beecroft P&C and a grant from the Community Building Partnership program, Beecroft Public School has been able to upgrade part of their playground.  I popped down recently to officially cut the ribbon on the project and take a look at the incredible transformation! 

Cost of Living Relief - Before and After School Care 

I know that many families, like my own, rely on before and after school care to help manage the juggle of work and family life.  

To help with the cost of this,  families may be able to access the Child Care Subsidy to help with both out of school care and holiday programs. When costs are rising everywhere, every bit of support helps. You can find out more here.  

Out and About in the Electorate and in Parliament 
 

An update on Housing

In Parliament, I asked the Government about delivering on more housing particularly in Western Sydney. 

I have also highlighted that first home owner grants are no longer providing support where they are needed; in the Parramatta LGA (covering about half the Epping electorate), approximately 20% fewer first home buyers are eligible for stamp duty relief compared to when the program first started because house prices have increased so rapidly. 

We have tried to be constructive and work with the Government to remove the barriers in our planning system that can make it hard to make housing projects viable. We have also been pushing the Government to lower the taxes that they charge on housing. You will hear me say much more about this topic, as I want to see taxes that are lower, simpler and fairer. 

I also want to see that where there is more housing, it is done sensibly. So, I want to see Dence Park re-open, for the Government to put on more buses and to also plan for more students in our schools. Lots of families want to live in our community and I can understand why but that will be lost if the housing is done without the services to go with it. 

If you have ideas on how we can make housing more affordable, I want to hear them!  You can reach out to me at epping@parliament.nsw.gov.au 

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 0414146139.

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 www.nrsfc.com.au. 

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 below. 

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.