100 L-Platers will trial the new technology by using one of the four new smartphone apps designed to record driver training – Licence Ready, Learner Journey, Ezy Log and L2P.

The trial will be conducted over a six-week period with stringent reporting letting the government know just how effective they are.

The apps have been designed so that they don’t distract new drivers or their supervisors, and comply with all applicable road rules relating to the use of mobile phones.

Transport for NSW will review feedback from the trial, and successful apps are expected to be rolled out more widely later this year.

It may be the end of summer on our calendars, but the reality is the warm weather will stick around for a bit longer. This means water sports and activities will continue as will my message around water safety.

In only two weeks, between Christmas 2016 and 8 January 2017, 21 people in NSW lost their lives in water accidents.

Those deaths occurred in rivers and lakes, in the surf at the beach, out on a boat, and in backyard swimming pools. And the people who died included very young children, fit young adults and the elderly.

If there is any one link between each of the drownings – beyond holidays, and warm weather – it's a lack of appreciation that where there's water, there's danger.

So, whenever you or your loved ones are in, on or around the water, take precautions and avoid risks.

Visit www.royallifesaving.com.au for more information on water safety and how to prevent more tragic drownings.

The first round of 2017 funding for the Community War Memorials Fund (CWMF) is now open. The CWMF is designed to protect and repair local war memorials, which preserves the Anzac legacy.

I urge Councils to apply for the fund, which provides the opportunity for all NSW communities to access up to $10,000.

Ensuring local war memorials remain in great condition is an essential part of honouring Australian service men and women who sacrificed so much for our nation.

Applications will be assessed by the State War Memorial Committee, which is made up of NSW RSL, Public Works Advisory, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Veterans’ Affairs.

For further information please contact Veterans' Affairs on 9228 4710 or by email VeteranGrants@dpc.nsw.gov.au

This week we celebrate small businesses - the driving force of our economy, generating growth, innovation and jobs. More than 690,000 small businesses in our State make up almost 98 per cent of all businesses.

They employ almost half of the entire NSW workforce and pay more than $47 billion in annual wages. About 32 per cent of NSW small businesses are located in regional NSW.

For more information on events and seminars being held in your area, visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/backtobusiness or contact your local council.

I have a limited number of tickets left for this years Seniors Concerts in Sydney on 7th and 8th March.

These wonderful annual events are free for seniors and a great way of saying ‘thank you’ for all our seniors do for our families and communities. If you would like more information, please contact the Bathurst Electorate Office on (02) 63321300.