We have often taken containers along for refund, only to find the refund system full or out of order. Other people have also been there with containers and yet more keep arriving.

Will the NSW government please encourage container recycling by providing at least double the number of collection points in our area.

I hope many of all ages read this article by Zoe Wunderburg. There is so much pressure on all age groups by themselves or others. All is not lost just believe in yourself. Everyone has a place in this world. Well written.

On behalf of local stroke survivors and the Stroke Foundation, I am thrilled to announce this year’s Stride4stroke fundraising campaign has been a huge success.

I want to wholeheartedly thank the almost 700 participants who challenged themselves to get active throughout November. I also want to thank the families, friends and colleagues who supported them with donations.

Together you raised almost $175,000 dollars, which is a remarkable achievement.

Every dollar raised will go towards vital Stroke Foundation Programs including StrokeLine (1800 787 653) – a free advice line staffed by health professionals – and follow up services which help survivors and their families transition to life after stroke.

Many of the people who took part in Stride4stroke this year were stroke survivors themselves, carers or loved ones whose lives had been touched by stroke.

Sadly, you do not have to look far to find them.

There is one stroke every nine minutes in Australia. Stroke is one of our biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

Its impact is felt in every corner of the country.

But it does not need to be this way, more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing blood pressure and cholesterol, keeping active, eating a healthy balanced diet and steering clear of smoking.

A healthy lifestyle is the key and could save your life.

While Stride4stroke is over for another year, you can still support the Stroke Foundation. A small donation will help us to continue our mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. Visit www.strokefoundation.org.au

I was delighted to join Yarrawonga College P-12 staff and students at the official opening of the P-4 campus on Wednesday.

Securing the $7.6 million required for this project is still one of the highlights of my time in Parliament to date.

My next challenge is maintaining and improving the health services in this great town of Yarrawonga.

Thank you for giving me the honour to represent you in state Parliament for the next four years, I will continue to fight for Yarrawonga.