Albany Update

From Rebecca's Desk 

Welcome to Issue 2!

Welcome to the November issue of Albany Update. It's been an incredibly busy four weeks, from attending Parliament to supporting local events, cooking sausages and paying my respects at remembrance services. 

 

Recently, I visited South Stirling's Primary school with my team to celebrate Bike Month, donate a bike voucher and drop in buns for a delicious sausage sizzle. Wellstead and Manypeaks school students and their families were also present at what was a really fun day of bike activity.

 

I have also spent time supporting local initiatives and community activities, including:

  • Helping launch Solaris Cancer Care's new premises;
  • Supporting the Southern Peaks event;
  • Opening the ACCI awards night;
  • Attending the WA Trails and Recreation forum;
  • Attending the Camp Quaranup Open Day;
  • Accompanying Ministers Whitby and MacTiernan to visit residents of Sleeman Avenue;
  • Attending the Albany Primary School assembly to meet the winners of the $450 Impulse Cycles bike voucher I donated;
  • Visiting social housing properties undergoing refurbishment with Housing Minister Carey; and
  • Laying wreaths in remembrance at the RSL Albany Memorial Service for 104th Anniversary of Charge at Beersheba, as well as at the Nurses Memorial Service with Minister MacTiernan.

Ring Road Progress

This week, I visited the Albany Ring Road site to see how construction is progressing, and to hear from the workers and other contractors about how the project is creating new jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

 

The new bridge at the intersection of Menang Drive and Albany Highway will allow traffic to pass over Albany Highway, with access between the two roads retained with connecting ramps.

 

The Albany Ring Road will provide a heavy haulage freight route to the Port of Albany and take trucks off suburban roads and the big roundabout, reducing congestion and improving road safety for local and tourist traffic.

Radiation Oncology Service

The McGowan Government is committed to providing access to lifesaving cancer treatments closer to home and on country for the community of the Great Southern region. That’s why a Radiation Oncology Service is currently under construction. 

 

This week, I visited the site for an progress update and to see what works were currently underway.

 

We know remaining closer to family, friends and the broader community while undergoing treatment will help to improve Great Southern cancer patients experiences during this difficult time.

 

Patients and visitors to Albany Health Campus are already benefitting from extra parking as part of this important project.

 

The service is expected to be completed and operational in the second half of 2022.

 

World Teachers' Day

On World Teachers' Day in October, I visited local schools and delivered hampers of biscuits in recognition of the incredible job teachers and school support staff do in educating and caring for our children. Thank you, teachers, for your invaluable work!

Education Forum

I was delighted to host Education Minister Ellery recently at an education forum for local schools and P&C representatives who provided feedback on matters of significance in the education sector.

Fishability

In October, I visited Fishability, a charity that assists children and adults requiring support to experience the joy of fishing with assistance from trained and experienced volunteers. 

 

What an incredible morning of volunteers, participants, fish, laughter and (cheeky) pelicans!

Albany Agricultural Show 2021

We are really looking forward to seeing you at the show this year! Please call in and visit us at site 32 - 34 in the Western Pavilion.

 

Founded in 1889, the Albany Agricultural Show takes place over two days every year in November with the aim of promoting, encouraging and assisting the development of the resources of Albany and the Great Southern region.

 

The 2021 Show is the 125th show presented by the Albany Agricultural Society and this year is held on 12/13 November 2021. It is the show’s third ‘century of success.’

 

I encourage you to bring your family along to what is a highlight of the Albany calendar, promoting excellence in agriculture, displays, exhibits and a huge array of competitions, including alpacas, cattle, craft, cookery, horses, horticulture, machinery, performing arts, photography, poultry, shearing, sheep, sheep dog trials, a ute muster, vintage tractors, woodcraft and wool. Don't miss sideshow alley and all the usual attractions for children, plus fireworks at 8.00pm on Friday night!

 

Make sure you call in to our site for free children's face-painting and free tubestock native species giveaways.

WA's Safe Transition Plan

This week, the Premier outlined the Safe Transition Plan for Western Australia, the key points of which are below. I encourage you and your family to get vaccinated as soon as possible: Albany COVID-19 vaccination community clinic (rollup.wa.gov.au)

Coming Soon

I love engaging with the Albany community and, with my team, I would love to catch up with you at the following local events.

  • Albany Agricultural Show: 12 + 13 November. Find us at our stand at site 32-34 in the Western Pavilion for free face painting
  • Art Lease Exhibition opening: 19 November
  • Albany Christmas Pageant: 4 December. Look out for our float!

I welcome your feedback via rebecca.stephens@mp.wa.gov.au 

 

Rebecca Stephens MLA | Member for Albany