A reminder to not-for-profit groups that they only have three more weeks to apply for a Community Building Partnership grant to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Local sports clubs, charities, men’s sheds and Scouts or Girl Guides are just some of the groups that benefit from this program.

This is a very popular grants program with $330,000 to be shared across the Port Macquarie electorate. This is a great opportunity to get the support your community group needs to make real improvements where we meet, train or recreate.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday June 15, 2018. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

If anyone needs further information about the program please do not hesitate to contact my office on 6584 0977 or visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

Gun amnesty starts soon

Anyone in our local community with an unregistered or unwanted firearm should take advantage of the NSW Firearm Amnesty from July 1 to September 30, 2018.

Last year’s National Firearm Amnesty was extremely successful, with the NSW Police Force netting nearly 25,000 firearms from 7277 individuals during the three month campaign.

Residents have another chance to do the right thing and either surrender unwanted or prohibited weapons or become a responsible firearm owner and register their gun or rifle.

Firearms and firearm-related items can be surrendered under amnesty arrangements at approved drop-off points, which include licensed firearm dealers, mobile stations, and police stations.

Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places – including police stations. Anyone with concerns about handling firearms or safely transporting them, can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 for assistance. For more information visit www.police.nsw.gov.au

Get your flu shot

With winter just one week away, it is timely to remind our community about the importance of getting a flu shot.

Flu vaccines are now available at most GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Free flu shots are available to members of the community who are pregnant, people over 65 years of age, most Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

Vaccination is the best protection against the flu, but the following steps also help prevent the spread of influenza; cough and sneeze into your elbow, clean your hands and stay home when sick.