I am one of those people that still love to flick through a local newspaper (hard copy) and really appreciate your local paper.
I was just reading the latest edition and it prompted me to reflect on the following.
Upon reading Issue 417 of the Coast Community News, we could all be forgiven for thinking we only have one invested and visible Federal Member of Parliament on the Central Coast.
There were no less than nine separate articles and photographs of Labor Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, not including the full-page advert promoting his office.
Now I am not suggesting Coast Community News has any particular partiality for Reid, but it certainly highlights the lack of visibility of other elected representatives at all levels on the Central Coast.
As reported, Reid presents as an energetic Federal MP promoting his work in his elected area of Robertson.
Which leaves me wondering, where is everyone else?
Where are the elected members for Dobell and Shortland?
Do residents of the northern end of the Central Coast even know who their elected members are?
Unfortunately, in my electoral precinct of Shortland our area does not seem to get a look in as we are on the very southern end of the electorate in competition with Lake Macquarie and lower Newcastle suburbs.
Our area has a substantial and dire need for community/social supports, including but not limited to, affordable housing, medical (bulk billing), mental health, youth support, training, employment, drug and alcohol supports, and public transport services.
I know our elected MPs have other portfolios and roles that take their focus away from local issues; however I would ask them to take a leaf out of Gordon Reid’s book and be visible (not just preceding an election) and engage with constituents.
Email, Nov 26
Trish Liddell, Budgewoi