The Premier announced the state government would contribute to the Wingecarribee Day Care Centre’s extension appeal.

“As a community you always pull together to address issues of significance. As token of appreciation for what that centre is trying to achieve the state government is going to kick in $20,000.”

Ms Berejiklian also announced her intention to bring in a state wide suicide prevention strategy.

“I’d like for NSW to have a suicide prevention strategy which we don’t have at the moment.” 

During her visit she spoke about the importance of listening to the community, and promised to continue to work with residents to improve the shire.

 “As a government we have worked so hard in the last six years to make NSW the strongest economy, the strongest budget in the nation. Now we have the chance to make sure every community including this one received its fair share,” she said.

“We won’t make any major decisions in this part of the world unless we have extensive community input. In me you have a premier who will take time to listen to the issues here specifically and individually.”

The Premier took questions and mingled with members of the community during her visit.

Some of the topics addressed included Bowral and District Hospital’s redevelopment, aged care and mental health.

Mental health services was a topic several members of the community voiced concerns about during the Premier’s visit.

Councillor Larry Whipper and Get Around It founder Dylan Whitelaw both asked the Premier what was being done to improve services in the region and provide more resources for non-government organisations (NGOs).

Ms Berejiklian said the state government was working to provide better services which would focus on prevention.

“Yes, we are spending record amounts in mental health, yes, we are collaborating with non government organisations. Can we do better? Of course we can. 

“I think more collaboration with NGOs is a model we’ve done in other parts of social service delivery and I think mental health is one of those last bastions of getting a better model.”

The Premier said while doctors did an excellent job at helping people who came through the doors, more support was needed for people in the community who were at risk of mental health issues.

Dylan also raised concerns about mental health issues in schools.

The Premier said resources such as the Kids Helpline did an excellent job but more awareness was also needed about services available to people.

“We try promote it as much as possible and encourage young people to feel brave enough and courageous enough to make those calls. I think even raising the issue and speaking about it sends a very strong message to children that it’s okay to talk about it.”

An Harbison Care employee spoke to Ms Berejiklian about the initiatives the organisation had recently implemented.

These included a new graduate nurse training program and an expansion of services to include a new model for dementia care.

When asked whether there were plans to create more funding in the aged care sector, the Premier said the state government was committed to addressing the increased services that would be needed for an ageing demographic.

“This is an area where governments have to make not just increasing contributions but actually plan for what is a model that suits every community,” she said.

“All of us want to be assured that people in later years of life have a safe place to go but great quality of life.”

Gladys Berejiklian was quick to assure the community the redevelopment of Bowral and District Hospital would benefit the Wingecarribee Shire.

Councillor Graham McLaughlin raised the issue of funding with the Premier and said another $100 million would be needed for the project.

Other community groups such as Public Health First were also keen to hear what the Premier had to say on this issue.

She spoke with residents during her visit about their concerns.

Ms Berejiklian assured those concerned that accessibility and affordability would not be compromised as part of the redevelopment.

Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell and the Premier confirmed another meeting had been scheduled to meet with community members for further consultation.

“Every patient who walks through the door will not be discriminated. If they need emergency care they’ll get it, if they need a bed they’ll get it. We want a better hospital that’s world class,” she said.

A lack of community consultation has been one of the issues raised but Ms Berejiklian said she would listen to all concerns about the project.

“I’m not going to ignore voices at all. Of course we’ll listen to community. Sometimes we need to explain our position so fears some sections of the community have won’t be realised.”

Commuters have fought for years for a better rail system.

The Premier said the state government was aware of the issues faced on the Highlands line and was working to improve the services.

She said a reliable service was something commuters needed all day and not just during peak times.

“While peak services seem to be OK we know a lot of people want off-peak frequency as well as not being held up with freight services. We are investing in new rolling stock, which provides greater reliability but also greater customer experience and speeds up the system.”

The Premier recently met with community groups against the Hume Coal Project.

She said she had taken on board their concerns and hoped to soon be able to provide some certainty for the Highlands about its future.

“We would never make a decision which adversely affects the community. We appreciate a lot of people have waited a long time and we’re working with all relevant authorities.”

Ms Berejikilian said the state government would continue to work with community groups to address their concerns about the proposed mine.

The Premier said one of the mandates she had given new NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller was community and regional policing.

“He has my absolute authority to increase the presence of police officers in our regional communities and on the ground as a deterrent,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We know police are doing a really good job in identifying breaches and people who are doing the wrong thing as far as the law is concerned, but it’s also important for our legal system to have the adequate response as well.”

With the Wingecarribee ranked as one of the country’s most expensive places to live, the recent housing affordability announcement could help first home buyers make their dreams come true.

First home buyers who purchase a property up to $650,000 will be exempt from paying stamp duty and there will also be concessions up to $800,000.

The Premier said this was a huge step forward and would certainly help people in regional areas who were looking to purchase their first home.

“I know from looking at the local papers that price range will make it extremely affordable for people to have something really lovely in this region,” she said.

“I don’t want anyone in NSW, especially in regional communities to feel they can’t aspire to own their own home.”

A state-of-the-art community arts facility in the Highlands has been on the agenda for many years.

When asked about more funding for such a project, the Premier said she looked forward to the June 20 budget and the opportunities it would create for arts funding.

“I’m a huge fan of the arts and culture and I appreciate it’s often the essential services have to be focused on: health, education, transport. But the other type of things like cultural and arts funding really provide the heartbeat of the community, especially one as historic as this one.”

Ms Berejiklian encouraged regional communities to continue to “put their hand up” for extra arts funding and highlight the talented artists within their areas.