Championing the Macdonald Valley

Championing the Macdonald Valley

Championing the Macdonald Valley

OUR PURPOSE

Championing the Macdonald Valley, our Home and our Sanctuary, to ensure our community is not forgotten, as no one should be discriminated against because of where they live.

OUR MISSION

To Protect, Enhance and Promote the Natural and Human Environment of the Macdonald Valley with its long rich history in a respectful and sustainable way.

The MVA acknowledges the Darkinjung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Macdonald (Gunanday) Valley and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

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Macdonald Valley Association

Macdonald Valley Association

The MVA provides the community with a means of representing our interests and concerns, and undertakes activities supporting our valley's community.

Macdonald Valley Association

1 month ago

Macdonald Valley Association
Insurance in the valley.The MVA recently wrote to our State and Federal representatives about the alarming increases in domestic building insurance premiums in the Hawkesbury which are leading to residents being unable to afford to insure their homes. Susan Templeman MP responded and the MVA will be hosting a community forum with the Insurance Council of Australia, Susan Templeman as our local Federal member, and others to discuss the issues in the next few months. Extracts from Susan Templeman’s response can be found below. (reprinted with her permission). We will let our members know as soon as a date is agreed for the forum."Insurance affordability and availability has been a priority of mine for many years particularly bushfire and flood. Since the floods, the most urgent area has been flood insurance. Obviously changes by insurers to no longer allow opt-out from floods has had a profound effect resulting in many people not able to access any insurance.I’ve run forums in the last couple of year with insurers and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), was part of the insurance inquiry in the previous term of government, and have been working with the Assistant Treasurer and the industry to identify practical things we can do.I raised the Association’s concern with the CEO of the ICA in a meeting last week and like me, they are happy to attend a meeting in the Valley to discuss the issues with the Association and more broadly with the community.At the federal level, we are very concerned about the flood insurance situation and we’re taking steps to help improve the situation.One of the most effective ways to improve insurance affordability is by reducing risk in the first place. One of your suggestions alludes to this, with additional funding for serious mitigation. That’s why we created the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) to support projects that address the physical and social impacts of disasters on communities. It is delivering $1 billion over five years from 1 July 2023 to help reduce disaster risks and improve Australia’s resilience.When the Hawkesbury Disaster Adaptation Plan is finally released by the NSW Government, I hope it will have identified the priorities for action, and I would expect the NSW Government to seek funding from the next round of the DRF to begin implementing those strategies.We’ve also founded the Hazards Insurance Partnership (HIP) which has brought together government and the insurance sector to better understand natural hazard risks and agree on practical ways to reduce them. This hasn’t been done anywhere else and means there is greater trust and information sharing between industry and government. It’s work continues.I’m happy to discuss the cyclone reinsurance pool. When it was established, when we were in opposition in 2022, I spoke about it potentially being a potential model for our region. At this stage, I’m not confident that is the case, however there is analysis happening about where it is and isn’t assisting, and whether that represents value for taxpayers." ... See MoreSee Less
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Macdonald Valley Association

1 month ago

Macdonald Valley Association
Farming on the fringe is an event for farmers and land managers who want to learn more about natural capital, carbon farming, soils, environmental markets and direct selling of local produce. Event details:Hosted by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, this one-day conference-style event is for rural landholders, including small‑scale producers, hobby farmers, lifestyle landholders and also government officers and not‑for‑profit organisations. The event is an opportunity to explore proven techniques to enhance profitability in natural capital markets, carbon farming opportunities and innovative and sustainable land management practices. Fri, 15 May, 8:30am - 4:30pm AESTTed McCabe Function Centre - Hawkesbury Race ClubClarendon NSW, AustraliaKey notes and MC:Rachel Ward - Regenerative farmer, film director, actress and co-founder of FarmthruRobert Pekin - Co-founder and CEO of The Food Connect ShedMC: Chris Bath - Journalist, radio and TV host, beekeeper, and sustainable small farmerYou will hear from natural capital experts, including:Tamara Harris - Natural Capital Advisor, Local Land ServicesDr Amanda Hanson - Accounting for NatureClare Edwards - On-Farm Carbon Advice teamMeghan Burkett - Centre for Community CapitalImogen Semmler - AgricolaMeet local farmers who will describe their journey of resilience and innovation in managing natural resources and conservation, along with improved farm productivity and profitability. Explore a mini trade show of exhibitors from the sustainable agriculture sector displaying products and services in soil health, carbon farming, natural capital, circular economy, regenerative farming, biodiversity markets and selling farm produce direct to consumers. Additional details:A gourmet BBQ style lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be provided.Ticket types:General admission - $50Includes entry for one person.Couple - $75Includes entry for two people.Contact:Maree Whelan, Local Land Services - 0427 086 457Richard Stephens, Local Land Services - 0436 803 337events.humanitix.com/farming-on-the-fringe-clarednon-may-2026?utm_source=GS_small_farms&utm_mediu... ... See MoreSee Less

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Macdonald Valley Association

5 months ago

Macdonald Valley Association
Official Opening - Thomas James Bridge. A great day for our valley community with the opening of this significant project restoring the connection of Settlers Road to the Wiseman's Ferry crossing and the Central Coast. Apart from it's role as critical transport infrastructure, the bridge is historically very significant, being the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. As such, the repair and restoration of the bridge required a special level of skill with the 1800 convict blocks marked, stored and put back in the same place. Unlike many major projects in modern times, not only did this project not blow out the budget allocation, but came in under the allocated budget of $23.4mill. The Macdonald Valley Association commends all those involved with securing the funding of the bridge, no mean feat in these fiscally challenging times. Our thanks go to our Federal and State Members Susan Templeman MP and Robyn Preston MP for their collegiality and focus in securing the funding and support for the project. We acknowledge Hawkesbury City Council for their planning and management of this project at a time when the whole of the Hawkesbury had been damaged by multiple floods. Their willingness to listen to community concerns about maintaining access during the reconstruction was welcomed by residents. Their engagement and communications with the community was very useful.Central Coast Council were also involved in managing the landslip repair. Overall, the project was delivered by Delaney Civil Engineering who have been big supporters of our local events during the time they have been working in the area, including at the Fishing Comp last weekend. Thank you for working with the community during this time. And we found out today just who Thomas James was, and he made an "appearance" at the community event in the park that followed the official opening. ... See MoreSee Less

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Macdonald Valley Association updated their cover photo.

7 months ago

Macdonald Valley Association
Macdonald Valley Association's cover photo ... See MoreSee Less

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Macdonald Valley Association

7 months ago

Macdonald Valley Association
Saturday’s ‘A Picnic In The Garden’ was a delightful afternoon and evening with around 100 guests who enjoyed Andrew Browne’s soulful tunes and then valley locals’ Rum & Ruin’s aussie classics, along with the ever creative Pickled Wombat’s catering.Many thanks to all who came together, Volounteers and Picnickers, plus a helpful grant from Hawkesbury City Council to make this event the special evening that it was.Extra special thanks to Will & Laura for again making their site available for a very special community event. ... See MoreSee Less

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Projects and Resources

Community Resources
St Albans Beautification Projects
Cemeteries
Roads and Ferries
Telecommunications
Connected & Prepared – Community Emergency Response
Wellbeing
Valley For Wildlife

Committee Members

Rosemary – President

Linda Bracken – Vice President

Valley for Wildlife

Nikki Wood – Secretary

Jane Fulton – Treasurer

Lewis Adey

Connected and Prepared

Siobhan Mahoney

Telecommunications

Diana Furneyvall

Fundraising

Catherine du Peloux Menage

Newsletter

Enriching The Valley

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