LILYDALE STAR MAIL
Home » Opinion » Thank you to all community members

Thank you to all community members



As I pen this first column since the May 2025 Election, I feel a deep sense of both pride and responsibility.

It is an honour to be re-elected by our community and given the opportunity to continue representing our home in the Australian Parliament.

Each Australia election is underpinned by hardworking Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) staff who conduct the ballot across our nation with professionalism and integrity.

To have the opportunity to vote – with the added confidence that the outcome will be fair – is a privilege we should never take for granted.

I am pleased that my positive local plan resonated in our community.

I have spent the past three years getting out to speak to locals where they are – and my local plan centred around providing solutions to some of the challenges we face.

I was proud that the Liberals committed to establishing an Urgent Care Clinic in Healesville.

While we didn’t form government at this election, our strong community campaign and petition resulted in Labor finally listening and announcing an Urgent Care Clinic for Lilydale.

To make matters confusing, during the election the Labor candidate for Casey stated on multiple occasions that the clinic would be in Healesville.

I recently wrote to the Prime Minister and Health Minister seeking clarity on the location.

I will keep our community informed and continue advocating for this clinic to be delivered.

I know firsthand that we also need reliable telecommunications, better local roads and upgraded local facilities.

It is disappointing Labor did not match any of my commitments in these areas, however, I won’t stop fighting for the investment and infrastructure our community deserves.

It has been great to get straight back to work fighting for our community post-election.

I am looking forward to getting back to Canberra this month for the opening of the 48th Parliament.

I will continue to be a strong local voice on issues impacting our community and our nation.

We have lots of work to do to ensure Casey remains the best place to call home – and to ensure future generations have the same opportunity to grow up in the beautiful Australia we all grew up in.

As we look ahead, my commitment is to represent all residents of Casey, regardless of how they voted, and I can’t wait to continue the work we’ve started.

Digital Editions


  • Murder mystery marathon

    Murder mystery marathon

    Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre The Games Afoot Or Homes for the Holidays us a farce murder mystery. A “Who Dunnit” set in 1936 where the famous…

More News

  • Manosphere school fears

    Manosphere school fears

    The concerning rise of misogynistic behaviour among young men has been brought to the fore as school returns in the Yarra Ranges for 2026. It’s a trend documented by many…

  • Farewelling an old friend

    Farewelling an old friend

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 309068 On 16 January, the Lilydale Croquet Club farewelled Alan Jones, a longtime member of the croquet club. Alan loved being outdoors, whether it…

  • 13-year-old honoured for environmental leadership

    13-year-old honoured for environmental leadership

    Ferny Creek resident, Coen Pearson has already established himself as a leader in environmental conservation, earning Yarra Ranges Council’s Young Environmental Achiever of the Year award. The 13 year-old has…

  • Senior cricket cancelled but juniors play

    Senior cricket cancelled but juniors play

    Kilsyth Cricket Club’s men’s senior matches were cancelled on Saturday due to the exceptionally hot weather. With the forecast temperature predicted to be 39 degrees, the RDCA enacted the heat…

  • Increasing events, outages prompt push to implement temporary disaster roaming

    Increasing events, outages prompt push to implement temporary disaster roaming

    With disasters seeming to become more frequent and severe in Australia, ensuiring our telecommunications are capable of keeping us connected in a crisis is crucial. Casey MP and Shadow Assistant…