From Meryl's Desk As I frequently spend time away from my family, travelling between Newcastle Airport and Canberra for Parliamentary business, I end up thinking a lot about the significance of airports in our lives. Over time, I have increasingly appreciated that airports act as a conduit for so much more than simple, utilitarian travel. They are places to reflect and take stock. It's where we reconnect with loved ones, and begin life-changing journeys to other parts of this extraordinary world, appreciating all the unique cultures across the planet. It really is a beautiful thing. This month I attended the "topping out" ceremony at Newcastle Airport, which is located right here in our Paterson electorate. As we watched the final roof beam of the new terminal being raised, it was an opportunity to reflect upon the scale of this ambitious project. The Australian Government has invested $121 million to this $250 million project that includes upgrades to the airfield, international terminal, and border processing services. Through the international terminal and runway upgrade, Newcastle Airport will enable longer-haul aircraft to access the airport, connecting to international markets and destinations. This project will open up the doors of opportunity for the Hunter Region, connecting us for the first time with the international aviation economy of Asia and beyond. Over the next 20 years this project looks to receive 850,000 additional visitors to the region and 175,000 international visitors. This opportunity will bolster our unique tourism industry positioning the Hunter and Port Stephens regions as a bold, international destination. And we really do have it all! Our local region is a bold blend of history, adventure, waterways, wineries, and natural wonders. With only a short drive, you can access world-renowned vineyards, national parks, and the best beaches in Australia. This project will create over 4,400 ongoing jobs and inject $6.2 billion in regional income through the visitor economy. Expected to be completed in June 2025, say goodbye to the days of travelling all the way to Sydney to catch an international flight. This project is an undeniable win for Paterson and the Albanese Labor Government, and I am incredibly proud to have advocated for it to be undertaken and now delivered. I can't wait for you all to have the opportunity to catch a flight to a new exotic destination, from our Newcastle International Airport. As your Federal Member, I can assist you with: Centrelink Medicare Immigration Communications (including NBN) Tax Veterans' Affairs Aged Care Superannuation Child Support NDIS MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON 4983 2401 35 Sturgeon Street Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp.aph.gov.au www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace From Meryl's Desk As I frequently spend time away from my family , travelling between Newcastle Airport and Canberra for Parliamentary business , I end up thinking a lot about the significance of airports in our lives . Over time , I have increasingly appreciated that airports act as a conduit for so much more than simple , utilitarian travel . They are places to reflect and take stock . It's where we reconnect with loved ones , and begin life - changing journeys to other parts of this extraordinary world , appreciating all the unique cultures across the planet . It really is a beautiful thing . This month I attended the " topping out " ceremony at Newcastle Airport , which is located right here in our Paterson electorate . As we watched the final roof beam of the new terminal being raised , it was an opportunity to reflect upon the scale of this ambitious project . The Australian Government has invested $ 121 million to this $ 250 million project that includes upgrades to the airfield , international terminal , and border processing services . Through the international terminal and runway upgrade , Newcastle Airport will enable longer - haul aircraft to access the airport , connecting to international markets and destinations . This project will open up the doors of opportunity for the Hunter Region , connecting us for the first time with the international aviation economy of Asia and beyond . Over the next 20 years this project looks to receive 850,000 additional visitors to the region and 175,000 international visitors . This opportunity will bolster our unique tourism industry positioning the Hunter and Port Stephens regions as a bold , international destination . And we really do have it all ! Our local region is a bold blend of history , adventure , waterways , wineries , and natural wonders . With only a short drive , you can access world - renowned vineyards , national parks , and the best beaches in Australia . This project will create over 4,400 ongoing jobs and inject $ 6.2 billion in regional income through the visitor economy . Expected to be completed in June 2025 , say goodbye to the days of travelling all the way to Sydney to catch an international flight . This project is an undeniable win for Paterson and the Albanese Labor Government , and I am incredibly proud to have advocated for it to be undertaken and now delivered . I can't wait for you all to have the opportunity to catch a flight to a new exotic destination , from our Newcastle International Airport . As your Federal Member , I can assist you with : Centrelink Medicare Immigration Communications ( including NBN ) Tax Veterans ' Affairs Aged Care Superannuation Child Support NDIS MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON 4983 2401 35 Sturgeon Street Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp.aph.gov.au www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace