Dear Berowra Resident

With parliament set to reconvene in July, I’ve been making every moment count here at home.

This months e-newsletter includes: 

- Important information about claiming your toll rebate 
- An introduction to Sussan Ley 
- What to do this school holidays 
- Thornleigh West student raises over $9,000 for cancer research 
- Back to Normo Day
- Berowra Rotary Pride of Workmanship Awards
- 2025 Kings Birthday Honour Recipients 
- St John Ambulance - Hornsby Cadets
- Macquarie Community College Celebrates 75 Years
- The Governor General attends the Hornsby Citizenship Ceremony
- Penno Pickleballers

From joining with local sporting clubs to visiting small businesses and recognising volunteers who go above and beyond to protect us, everywhere I go I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in a community filled with people whose instinct it is to look our for one another. 

As your local representative, it’s my job to listen and act on your behalf.

Whether you need help navigating federal services, advice on a grant application, or simply want to share an idea to improve our community, my team and I are here to help.

If you ever need my assistance, you can contact me at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or on (02) 9980 1822.

CLAIM YOUR 2024 TOLL REBATE BEFORE 30 JUNE 2025
 

If you’ve spent more than $402 on tolls between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, you could be eligible for a 40% rebate from the NSW Government.

You have until Monday 30 June to claim this rebate, and with the end of the financial year just days away - you will need to act fast! 

Unfortunately this week, the Labor Government has announced that it will scrap the $60 weekly toll cap from January 2026, making things even harder for our community. 

Sydney is the most tolled city in the world, and our community is impacted by this decision much more than people in other parts of Sydney. 

It is shocking that at a time when families are feeling the pinch, the Labor Government would cut one of the few, significant cost-of-living supports still available.

Labor, at both a state and federal level have no plan to ease the pressures on household budgets. Instead, their record shows that they will only make things harder. 

I will be working with my state colleagues to advocate against the axing of this important rebate and will always stand up for you, for your family and for our community. 
 

Claim your toll rebate here. 

 

On Wednesday, 25 June, Liberal Leader the Hon. Sussan Ley MP addressed the National Press Club, setting a clear direction for the future of the Federal Liberal Party.

In her address, Sussan reaffirmed the Liberal Party's commitment to respect, reflect and represent modern Australia.

She spoke about the real, everyday hopes of Australians: getting ahead, buying a home, raising a family and starting a business, and outlined how the Liberal Party will support these hopes every step of the way.

Sussan’s speech also introduced who she is and what sort of leader she will be. 

Born in Nigeria, Sussan subsequently went to school in the United Kingdom, followed by the United Arab Emirates and later, Australia.

She achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, worked variously as an air traffic controller, a shearer's cook, a wool and beef farmer and as an official of the Australian Taxation Office.

Sussan has the most diverse background of anyone who has led the Liberal Party, and of anyone in the Parliament, and I look forward to many of you having the opportunity to meet her.

I encourage you to take the time to read her full remarks. You can find Sussan's speech here. 

With the school holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy what’s on offer right here in our backyard.
 

Here are just a few of the great local events happening in July that you won’t want to miss!

Hornsby Gang Show 2025 presents: SPACED OUT
Friday 04 July - Saturday 12 July 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm
Location: Abbotsleigh, 1666 Pacific Highway, Wahroonga
Event cost: $30 child/concession, $35 adults
https://www.gangshow.com/
 
Hornsby Relay For Life 2025 Trivia Night
Saturday 05 July 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm
Location: Magpies Waitara, 11-37 Alexandria Parade, Waitara NSW 2077
Event cost: $15 per person
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hornsby-relay-for-life-trivia-night-tickets-1354408445119
 
Kids Lego Robotics
Monday 14 July 10.30 am - 12.00 pm
Location: Pennant Hills Library, Corner Ramsay Rd & Yarrara Rd, Pennant Hills NSW 2120
Event cost: $10 per child.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1405620
 
Northwest Hawks Free Kids Movie Night
Saturday 19 July 4.30pm - 9.00pm
Location: Galston Club, 21-25 Arcadia Rd, Galston NSW 2159
Event cost: Free entry
https://northwesthawksrugbyleague.com.au/
 
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter Mini Fete Fundraiser
Saturday 26 July 11.00am - 2.00pm
Location: Berowra Baptist Church, 41-45 Berowra Waters Rd, Berowra NSW 2081
Event Cost: Free entry

If you know of a community event coming up in August that you would like featured in my next e-newsletter, please email my office at julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au
 

YEAR 6 STUDENT RAISES $9,000 FOR VITAL CANCER RESEARCH
 

In my role as Federal Member, I am regularly humbled by the dedication and compassion shown across our community but recently one event particularly touched my heart, and I felt was important to share.
 
In May, Amelia Raison, a Year 6 student at Thornleigh West Public School, organised one of Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Teas to raise funds for cancer research. This cause is particularly pertinent in Amelia’s life, following her mum’s 2024 diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (also known as bile duct cancer).
 
With the support of her school, family and friends, Amelia raised more than $9,000 to support cancer research, an amazing achievement!
 
Organisations like Cancer Council and the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation do remarkable work, but they cannot do it alone. Government must continue to play its role, ensuring that researchers have the funding they need, that patients have timely access to the best care, and that no family faces a cancer diagnosis without support.

Back to Normo Day brought Normanhurst Oval to life on Saturday 21 June, with the community turning out in force to support the Normanhurst Eagles Football Club.

This annual day is a highlight in our local calendar and is the club’s major fundraiser. 

With something for everyone from rides and a BBQ, to a cake stall, beer garden and of course, plenty of football.

It was fantastic to attend what is a true reflection of the strong community spirit that surrounds the Eagles and the pride so many in the community feel about the club.

At the event, I reaffirmed my commitment to fighting for an upgrade to the Normanhurst Oval clubhouse - a commitment I made during the election and one I will continue to fight for.

Clubs like the Normo Eagles are the heart of our community. They deserve facilities that match their impact.

To learn more about the club or get involved, visit www.normoeagles.com.au.

The Rotary Club of Berowra recently held their Pride of Workmanship awards at Berowra RSL Club.

Pride of workmanship has been going 50 years, acknowledging people who do it once and do it well and in so doing build a better Australia. This year Berowra Rotary focused on those in our local community involved in educating the next generation. 

I was delighted to have an opportunity to attend the evening and congratulate the following recipients: 
 

• Lara Sholl, a music teacher at Hornsby Girls 
• Amanda Panich, an enrolment manager at Asquith Girls 
• PDHPE teacher Ryan Bolger at Asquith Boys 
• PDHPE teacher Lynne Moore at Asquith Girls
• Alyssa Parisi, a Pizza shop manager who is also studying education

Berowra Rotary have been meeting regularly for more than 48 years and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6.30pm. New members are always welcome. You can find out more here.
 

Each year, the King’s Birthday Honours List recognises Australians who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service—be it to their community, the nation, or the world.
 
This year I was proud to be notified that nine members of our community were recognised.
 
In the General Division of the Order of Australia, Commodore Philip Stanford RAN was appointed a Member of the Order (AM) for his exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force, particularly in submarine capability development and military workforce planning.
 
Miss Winsome Collingridge and Miss Edith Collingridge were both awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their service to the Hornsby community. Professor Gerald Fogarty was recognised with an OAM for his service to medical research. Mr Dennis Perry received an OAM for his contributions to the community of Papua New Guinea, while Mrs Bindi Shah was also honoured with an OAM for her service to the community through a range of roles.

In the Meritorious Awards Division, Mr Andrew Cameron received the Australian Fire Service Medal. Detective Chief Inspector Sotirios Courcoulos and Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft were both awarded the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their distinguished service.

Their work supports families, protects lives, and ensures those who need it most don’t get left behind. They are the people who often go without recognition, and their achievements are a source of pride for our community.

If there is someone in our community that you know deserves to be recognised, you can submit a nomination here.

The St John Ambulance cadet program provides young people with remarkable opportunities, and we’re fortunate to have such dedicated young people training to care for our community.

I recently had the chance to join the Hornsby cadets one evening as they were finishing off a special interest badge in eye health.

In addition to speaking with the group on youth issues and hearing their perspectives on various topics such as careers, the environment and healthcare, I also sat down to learn about eye health and take part in one of their dissecting exercises - a very fascinating evening indeed! 

In addition to the cadet program, there are various opportunities to volunteer with St John Ambulance. If you're interested you can apply here. 

For 75 years, Macquarie Community College has stood as a beacon of opportunity, playing a central role in adult and community education. 

From language courses, and barista training, to tarot and oracle card reading classes, MCC has helped thousands take their next step, no matter where they’ve started from.

I was pleased to join the College in Epping for these celebrations, and even had a go behind the coffee machine (which I may now need to take some of their courses in) 

Congratulations MCC; a wonderful example of how education builds stronger communities!

On 18 June 2025, our community was honoured to have Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, attend the Hornsby Shire Citizenship Ceremony. 

This was a momentous occasion to have her Excellency in the electorate, particularly as she has only attended several citizenship ceremonies across the country since being appointed to the position. 

There is a real pride and civic duty in officially becoming part of the broader Australian family. I hope that the new citizens in attendance were encouraged by the Governor-General’s presence and kind words on the day.

Last weekend, Penno Pickleballers was officially launched at Pennant Hills Park. 

All levels of pickleball players are welcomed by the club, from beginners to seasoned pros. It’s a great way to be active, meet new people, and improve your skills.

Penno Pickleballers was started by a small group in the local community and has already been shown significant interest by the community.

Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in Australia over the past year.

Penno Pickleballers meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15pm to 9:45pm and on Sundays from 2pm to 4:30pm. You can find out more or get in touch here.