There is no doubt this year’s NSW government budget is a great help for those of us struggling with the cost of living, not only for hard working families. Even in a leading state like ours, which contributes almost half the nation’s jobs growth, with below average unemployment and strong economic growth, the cost of living needs a hand. So the Creative Kids Rebate, added to the Active Kids Rebate, caravan registration discounts, green slips rebates, regional bus fare discounts, assistance with energy bills, first home buyer grants and even a reduction in parking fines, will all help the hip pocket. It is a budget that looks to the future of both community life and our young people, with 100,000 free apprenticeships now available to make sure we have a workforce able to deliver the demands of our growing population.  In Yass, that’s added to with the investment of a redevelopment at Yass High School to deliver state of the art science teaching facilities.  The recently completed upgrade of the Haritgan Music Centre will also be an important addition to the range of music opportunities available to our students. As the Yass Valley continues to grow, there will also be added demand on our health facilities and there will come a time when our Yass Health Centre will need upgrading to a district hospital, complete with operating theatres and a maternity unit. The NSW Liberal Nationals have already invested $8 million in upgrading this facility after the maternity unit was closed by the previous ALP government.