Author Archives: wendytuckerman

Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, visited the villages of Sutton and Gundaroo, meeting at the popular Sutton Bakery, to sit down with members of the Sutton Community Association and discuss a range of local priorities including roads, planning, and the exciting opportunities ahead for the area. These discussions play a vital role in ensuring that decisions affecting villages reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live there.

While in Sutton, Mrs Tuckerman also attended the Sutton Rural Fire Service, which has recently been awarded a $190,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program. The funding was used to upgrade the station’s gravel driving area to concrete, enhancing safety and functionality for local volunteers. This program supports construction and infrastructure improvements for disadvantaged and disaster-affected communities across NSW – including regional, remote, and emergency service facilities.

The day continued in Gundaroo, where Mrs Tuckerman met with the Gundaroo Community Association to continue discussions around road maintenance and council representation for small villages. She also heard about the extraordinary efforts of Gundaroo’s many community groups, which help ensure the village remains active, inclusive and well-supported.

Mrs Tuckerman said, Gundaroo’s Rural Fire Service boasts 80 members an impressive achievement for a small village and a testament to the strength and community spirit of the region.

“Communities like Sutton and Gundaroo demonstrate the best of regional NSW—resilient, engaged, and full of initiative. It’s essential their voices continue to shape the future of our region.”

“Visits like these reaffirm the importance of grassroots engagement and highlight the impact of local leadership in delivering outcomes that matter most to regional communities,”.

A tranquil new space has officially opened in Goulburn, with the unveiling of the Shibetsu Japanese Gardens at Victoria Park—delivering on a shared vision by Goulburn Mulwaree Council, the Australian Government, and the NSW Government to enhance community spaces and honour international ties.

The project included the design and construction of an ornamental garden and picnic lawn, with works involving the removal of old trees, installation of a recycled water irrigation system, construction of pebbled pathways, and the addition of seating and supporting infrastructure. The result is a peaceful and inclusive space for the community and visitors alike.

The new gardens celebrate Goulburn’s longstanding sister-city relationship with Shibetsu, Japan, and provide a culturally significant destination that is expected to boost local tourism and community use of Victoria Park.

The project was funded with $250,000 from the Federal Government, $450,000 from the NSW Government, and $252,388 from Goulburn Mulwaree Council, delivered under the $1.38 billion Building Better Regions Fund. It supported three construction jobs and has created two ongoing positions.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said she was pleased to attend the celebration of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Shibetsu Japanese Garden opening.

“This is a beautiful and functional addition to the park, constructed by local business and landscapers – featuring cherry blossoms and maple trees surrounding the pond.

“What a lovely oasis for our community and fantastic collaboration made possible by $450,000 from the NSW State Government’s Cross-Border Commissioners Infrastructure Fund.

Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree, Cr Nina Dillon, opened the gardens in an official ceremony.

“I am proud to announce the completion of the Ornamental Garden and Picnic Lawn at the Shibetsu Japanese Gardens, a project that strengthens our sister-city relationship with Shibetsu, Japan.

“This beautiful new space not only enhances Victoria Park but also provides a green area for the community to gather, relax, and connect.

“By incorporating unique landscaping and all-ability pathways, we are creating a space that is accessible and welcoming to all.

“This project has brought new employment opportunities to our region and will attract even more visitors to our area, fostering growth, tourism, and community well-being for years to come.”

The Shibetsu Japanese Gardens are now open to the public, offering a unique and peaceful setting in the heart of Goulburn.

A group of outstanding young leaders from the Goulburn region recently took part in the Secondary Student Leadership Program at the Parliament of New South Wales, gaining firsthand insight into the workings of democracy and public service.

The annual program brings together student leaders from across the state to meet with elected representatives, explore the NSW Parliament, and visit Government House, where they have the opportunity to meet Her Excellency, the Governor of New South Wales.

Representing the Goulburn electorate were:

• Luke Linton and Layla Kendrick from Mulwaree High School
• Annie Knight and Florence Dark from Crookwell High School
• Hannah Blay and Alexander Skeffington from Trinity Catholic College

Their thoughtful questions and strong interest in leadership and civic engagement were warmly welcomed, reflecting a deep understanding of public service and community values.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman praised the students for participating in the program.

“It was a pleasure to meet such articulate and engaged young leaders.

“Their enthusiasm for public service and their insightful perspectives give great confidence in the future of our region.

“It was wonderful to hear their thoughtful questions and see their enthusiasm for leadership and public service. Their passion and insight gives me such confidence in the future of our community.”

The visit offered a valuable opportunity for students to experience the parliamentary process and consider how they might contribute to their communities in the years to come.

The 139th Taralga Show was once again a celebration of rural life and community spirit, thanks to the tireless efforts of Taralga AP&H Association President Laura Craig and her dedicated committee.

The much-loved event brought together locals and visitors alike to enjoy a showcase of the region’s agricultural excellence and vibrant community talent. The pavilion was a standout, brimming with impressive entries across baking, floristry, produce, and more.

A few notable highlights included:

• Tom Waddell, who claimed the coveted prize for best cake made by a male – a show-stopper that turned heads and tasted just as good.
• Sarah Bracken, whose magnificent Dahlia earned a champion ribbon.
• And Susan French, who was awarded Most Successful Exhibitor for her outstanding display of dahlias.

This iconic event continues tomorrow, offering more opportunities to celebrate the best of the region’s produce, people, and passion for country life.

Congratulations once again to everyone involved in making the Taralga Show a highlight of the regional events calendar.

The Goulburn Electorate Local Woman of the Year 2025 has been awarded to Heni Pearson in recognition of her significant work in actively supporting the community.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman commended Heni on the honour, recognising her passion and the positive impact she has made in the region.
“Heni Pearson is a pillar of the Goulburn community, she has made a significant impact to many lives across many years in her many different roles, particularly with the Goulburn Multicultural Centre. Heni’s unwavering commitment to community support, service and the fostering of connections among diverse groups is truly inspiring and led to many meaningful and life-changing outcomes for residents.

“Heni’s dedication to the community is profound, particularly in her work with the vulnerable youth, refugee and migrant populations. She plays a crucial role in helping these groups access essential social, medical, and educational services which empowers people to navigate their community, new homes and culture with confidence and support. Her compassionate approach ensures that no one feels isolated or overlooked,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

As the Manager of the Goulburn Multicultural Centre, Heni has been instrumental in creating a welcoming place in Goulburn where diversity is celebrated and embraced. Her leadership has strengthened community ties and promoted inclusivity, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to find their place within Goulburn.

Heni Pearson embodies the spirit of compassion, community and cultural pride. Her continual efforts to uplift those around her make her an exceptional nomination for Goulburn’s Woman of the Year.

The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program celebrating outstanding women in local communities, part of the NSW Government’s initiative to recognise the accomplishments of women as part of NSW Women’s Week 2025, running 2-8 March, coinciding with International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.

Mrs Tuckerman also congratulated Chloe Croker, Mayor of Goulburn’s Youth Council who was selected as one of ten young women across NSW as “The Ones to Watch”.

“The Ones to Watch recognises young women who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, bravery, strength, determination and or kindness to help and support those around them.

“Chloe is involved in so much in our community already, whether it’s Youth Council or the extra activities in her role as the Youth Mayor. I am so proud to see Goulburn represented by Chloe and I hope she will inspire other young people to bring positive changes to their community,” Mrs Tuckerman said.