Author name: Dugald Saunders

The NSW Government is calling on the community to have their say on the first Regional Water Strategy for the Macquarie-Castlereagh region. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this consultation period is an opportunity for residents, farmers, businesses and councils to have their say on how water is managed across the two regions in the future to improve water security, resilience and reliability. “This strategy is about ensuring water security for the region over the next 20 to 40 years to support our local economy, communities and environment and who better to help us refine this than the

People who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing are being reminded about an innovative mental health peer support phone line that is free to call and available now. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the BEING Supported ‘warmline’ is there to support anyone looking for an understanding ear. “For a variety of reasons, there are people in our communities who are doing things tough and struggling with their mental health,” Mr Saunders said. “I’m proud to be part of a government that is tackling the issue head-on and providing a myriad of services that show people

“For the past couple of months I have been advocating for a loosening of restrictions relating to COVID-19, particularly when it comes to regional parts of the state. “The past few months have been tough but the good work everyone has done in abiding by the restrictions and helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 in NSW is being rewarded today. “So many people have had to miss out on so much since the outbreak of the pandemic, whether that be watching kids play sport or engage in music, having guests on the dancefloor at a wedding, attending school excursions

Our region has some great waterways that are ideal places for recreational fishing, and thanks to the rain we’ve had over the past few months there is plenty of water and conditions are great. The $20 million announced by Minister Marshall will be used for projects that improve and promote recreational fishing, so I am putting the call out for our region’s keen anglers to put in their applications for any ideas they have in mind which will build great new facilities, improve a fishing habitat, or put more into research. Fishers pay their licence fees and every single cent

On a number of occasions over the past few weeks I have gone on the record urging common sense to prevail when it comes to allowing agriculture workers to be allowed to cross borders in a COVID-safe manner. As a result I welcome today’s announcement from the Premier, Acting Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister that NSW has written the new Agricultural Workers Code into public health orders. Farmers can now access the labour resources required to help them get a crop out of the paddock in a harvest that promises to be the best for at least half a decade

The NSW Government is calling on all NSW residents to be a COVID safe tourist in their own backyard and support local businesses by booking tours and visiting attractions. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the region is the ideal place for a COVID safe holiday, and encouraged travellers to show their support for businesses in the area. “With school holidays coming up and weather improving, there is so much to do in places like Mudgee, Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine, and I invite holidaymakers to enjoy our local highlights, attractions and hospitality in a COVID safe way,” he

Community organisations in the region impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for funding through the next round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, which opens today.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the economic impacts of COVID-19 have meant some communities have struggled to maintain sports, cultural and other social activities. “Community sporting and cultural organisations are the lifeblood for many communities and this funding can be used for projects that foster equity, social inclusion and participation,” Mr Saunders said. “We want these organisations to not just keep their doors open but to grow and prosper.   “Clubgrants funding

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging locals looking for the opportunity to reskill for the jobs of the future to investigate the NSW Government’s Skilling for Recovery initiative. Mr Saunders said the NSW Government has committed $159.3 million to match the Federal Government’s JobTrainer funding, which will be a key component to the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. “This initiative is an excellent opportunity for people in the Dubbo electorate to upskill or reskill, and for school leavers to enter the workforce for the first time,” Mr Saunders said. “Our community is battling through COVID-19 like the rest