ROBERT DWYER CHOOSES HOPE

Robert Dwyer • 7 October 2025

Choosing Hope: An event in support of bereaved families ï»¿

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer is again supporting the Choosing Hope Walk this Sunday from 10.30am behind the Laurieton United Services Club.

 

Choosing Hope is a walk of honour and remembrance in support of bereaved families. After experiencing the loss of a baby, there is often an overwhelming feeling of isolation.

 

An event like Choosing Hope shows that we are not alone in our grief, and we are not alone in our loss; there is a much larger community of bereaved families out there who have also gone through a similar experience.

 

The words ‘I had a miscarriage’, ‘My baby was stillborn’, ‘My baby died’ are often followed by silence. Saying those words out loud can be hard and not knowing how to respond can also be difficult. However, pregnancy and infant loss is so much more common than we think.

 

Every day in Australia, six babies are stillborn, three babies die before their first birthday and a miscarriage occurs every 3.5 minutes. On average, 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss.

 

Choosing Hope is a place of connection. It’s a place of reflection. And it’s a place to acknowledge, honour and remember those babies forever in our hearts. In 2024, over 150 local Mid North Coast families and friends gathered with us to honour and remember their babies.

 

“This year I am once again supporting the Choosing Hope Walk at Laurieton United Services Club. It is a group walk followed by a beautiful remembrance service where we acknowledge those babies gone too soon, by saying their names out loud and placing a remembrance card and flower in their honour,” Mr Dwyer said.

 

This event is also a support and fundraising initiative for Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, who provide early and ongoing counselling support and hampers for families who experience the loss of their baby during pregnancy or infancy.

 

If you can be there, please consider making a donation via this link. https://laurieton.choosinghope.com.au/page/RobertDwyer

 

For more information about Choosing Hope, please visit choosinghope.com.au or contact choosinghope@bearsofhope.org.au.


Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 10 February 2026
Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
by Robert Dwyer 9 February 2026
Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist
by Robert Dwyer 4 February 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has been appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads, strengthening the NSW Opposition’s focus on improving road safety, connectivity and investment across regional New South Wales.
by Robert Dwyer 28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has not publicly supported or opposed the proposed 18-storey development in Park Street, Port Macquarie.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
With a concerning increase in shark attacks along the NSW coastline over the past week, the rollout of shark spotting drones to surf board rider clubs must be urgently fast tracked, Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said today.
by Robert Dwyer 21 January 2026
Tomorrow, communities across Australia will come together to observe a Day of Mourning following the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi.
by Robert Dwyer 19 January 2026
Unmanned marine vessels known as Bluebottles will be deployed to patrol Marine Parks between Coffs Harbour and Camden Haven over the Australia Day long weekend.
by Robert Dwyer 14 January 2026
Robert Dwyer has written to the Minister for Roads requesting an urgent review of speed limits on unsealed council roads adjacent to Crowdy Bay National Park
by Robert Dwyer 21 December 2025
People in the Port Macquarie electorate can recognise an outstanding older person in their community with nominations now open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards. Robert Dwyer said the awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. “If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for recognition,” Mr Dwyer said. “We are fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. “By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping Port Macquarie thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma.” Previously known as the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards, the awards highlight the diverse ways seniors enrich their communities. Each year, MPs across the state use the awards to recognise seniors in their community by hosting a small awards ceremony where recipients are celebrated. Nomination forms are available from all MP’s offices across the state and need to be completed and returned by Friday 16 January 2026. Successful recipients will receive their awards during the NSW Seniors Festival 2026, which runs from 2-15 March 2026. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts more than 500,000 people at almost 50 DCJ-run and sponsored events across metro and regional areas. The festival commenced in 1958 and in 2026 will mark its 68th year. The festival promotes social inclusion and connection and encourages older people to attend events and become involved in art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards, contact us by emailing portmacquarie@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Show More