Dapto Labor

20/08/2026

NSW Government have just opened up the opportunity for local community groups in our electorate to apply for up to $40,000 to create projects that support young people, while also helping to build a safer and stronger community.

This is a great opportunity for the Dapto area. There isn't always a lot for young people to do locally, and creating more opportunities to get involved, make connections, build confidence and develop skills for the future can make a real difference for them now and into the future.

Whether it’s activities, programs, mentoring, creative projects, sport or other ideas that give young people positive things to do and pathways to get involved in their community, this funding could help turn a good local idea into something real.

The Community Safety Investment Fund is providing $5 million for community-led initiatives across the state that support young people, strengthen families and improve community safety, particularly in regional communities.

If you have an idea that could benefit young people in Dapto and the surrounding area, applications are now open!
https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-safety-investment-fund-stream-1-round-2-2026-27?fbclid=IwY2xjawTzcBpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTNXTHNNQmVXUnI5cU54WW5zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8Zscc14uj3UyhrnndboOqs31tttt1Dgu4RWlE3ehJmC_UAtnMn_6Xrj8E28_aem_tY73iYilTZPegUEaWvgdLg

If you have questions about the program or whether your idea might be eligible, you can check the information at the link or get in touch with Anna Watson MP’s office.
Anna is always keen to assist where she can!

20/08/2026

19/08/2026

The latest and greatest news about increasing services on trains for the Illawarra! Thanks for your work on this Paul Scully MP public transport matters at the moment
https://www.facebook.com/reel/4117686818532508

19/08/2026

There’s something to be said for a local member who keeps working on a commitment long after the announcement has been made. When Anna Watson makes a commitment to Dapto, she works to deliver it. She has continued to advocate for the infrastructure West of Dapto needs and, with the opportunity now there, has used the levers available to her to help turn that long-standing commitment into reality.

The new school planned for West Dapto will officially be known as Wongawilli Public School. The school will include a public preschool next to the new primary school and is expected to open in 2029.

The plans include not only classrooms and learning spaces, but also a library, hall, covered outdoor learning area and new staff facilities and offices.

This is fantastic news for locals. We all know Dapto Public School has been well over capacity for some time, while West Dapto has continued to grow at a rapid pace.

It’s hard to believe that it has been more than 20 years since Dapto Public moved to its Horsley site in 2004. In that time, West Dapto has grown enormously, with thousands more families now calling the area home.

10/08/2026

Does your washing machine have Monday-itis? .... Like Every. Single. Day?
But you just can't afford a new one right now?

Did you know the NSW Government has a Washing Machine Exchange Program?

Eligible households with an old, inefficient top-loading washing machine may be eligible to exchange their old machine for an 8kg LG front loader washing machine, with delivery, installation and a 2-year warranty included — for just $250!

Save around 20,000 litres of water a year
Use less energy — especially if your washing machine is old enough to hum the words to Fame as it refuses to spin! 😂

And you could save around $300 a year on water, energy and detergent.

For more details on the machine and eligibility see
https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/water-efficiency-program/washing-machine-exchange-program

08/08/2026

Sunday morning is a pretty good time to talk trains!

Dapto Labor’s Train Guy — Paul Scully MP

We all know Paul helped get the lifts delivered at Unanderra Station, finally putting an end to that 72-step climb to the platform.
An now we're looking forward to four trains an hour during peak periods on the South Coast Line later this year — that's a train every 15 minutes between Wollongong and Sydney.

We're also pleased to hear the NSW Labor Government is working to bring train manufacturing back to NSW! This is anticipated to create jobs, apprenticeships and skills again in NSW that we haven't seen in a while.

Meanwhile, we're hearing lots of positive things about the new Mariyung trains. Have you caught one yet? What do you think?

If you haven't, today's a pretty good day to give one a try. No petrol required — and adult public transport fares are capped at $9.65 for the whole day on Sundays.

— taking a stand since 1902.

08/08/2026

Since 1902, local people have been turning up, getting involved and standing up for what the Dapto community needs through Dapto Labor Branch meetings.

Today, we’re pretty chuffed to have these two women simultaneously representing our Dapto community at both State and Federal levels of politics.

Anna Watson MP - Member for Shellharbour
Carol Berry MP

Two women fighting for our community.
Two parliaments.
One Labor movement.

As said in 1949:

“If the movement can make someone more comfortable, give to some father or mother a greater feeling of security for their children, a feeling that if a depression comes there will be work… then the Labor movement will be completely justified.”

A long-held Labor aspiration. And one that both Carol and Anna put at the heart of what they do, representing our region and community every single day. Go the Girls! It’s great to see what is being achieved currently — whether it’s a new school, lower car rego, Dapto Urgent Care Clinics, more bulk billing or just cheaper PBS scripts, increasing access to new medications (just to name a few) and they are not yet done!
This is what Labor is about — making a difference in people’s lives, everyday



Dapto Labor— since 1902.

02/08/2026

It may have been a dreary Saturday morning, but that didn't stop Anna Watson and her team from getting out and about, chatting with locals and hearing what matters most to them.

We heard about what matters to people. Whether it's a great idea, an issue they need advice or support with, or even who scored the winning goal in the soccer that morning, every conversation helps us stay connected with the people and places that make our area a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat!

Anna Watson MP makes every effort to be accessible to everyone across the electorate. If you'd like to catch up with Anna, reach out to find out when she'll be in your area next, or pop into the electorate office, give the team a call or send an email—they're always happy to help.

01/08/2026

🔥 Hazard Reduction Burn at Mount Brown –
TOMORROW Sunday 2 August

The NSW RFS is planning a hazard reduction burn at Mount Brown tomorrow (Sunday 2 August), weather permitting.

🚒 The burn will cover approximately 2.3 hectares and smoke may be visible across southern Wollongong and Shellharbour.

Hazard reduction burns play an important role in reducing bushfire risk and helping to protect your home, your health and our community ahead of the fire season.

If you're in the area:
🚗 Drive to the conditions if smoke affects visibility.
🏡 Keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke.

For the latest updates, check the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the NSW RFS website. See https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ERKLL8D9Q/

27/07/2026

Would you like an Oldie or a Newie at the Dapto Pub?
A proposed $25 million development application could be set to change the landscape of grabbing a local b**r!

A development application has been submitted for the site next to the heritage-listed Dapto Hotel, proposing 34 new apartments, shops and commercial space, new public areas and around 98 parking spaces.

The appearance of Dapto has been a regular topic of conversation in the community, and as locals we have heard loud and clear that everyone want to see our town centre looking better, feeling more welcoming and being a place the community can be proud of.

If you live in the 2530 area, what do you think about this proposal?
You can read more here https://regionillawarra.com.au/dapto-hotel-retains-heritage-in-25-million-plan-for-shop-top-apartments/99545/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=ri

Or find the DA on display with Wollongong Council