Author name: Dugald Saunders

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders with O2N director Megan Dixon.

Hub to take resources sector to zero AND hero!

Dubbo’s status as a leader in critical minerals and future skills will be strengthened, thanks to a significant investment from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $207,687.50 for the Orana Opportunity Network O2N to develop a business case for the Zero Business Incubator and Innovation Zone (ZERO Hub). “We all know the world is moving towards a zero emissions future, but the state’s resources sector can’t reach that goal unless the supply chain does too,” Mr Saunders said. “This project seeks to address this by establishing a physical hub to stimulate the growth […]

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New radios to give rescue volunteers clear communications

Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Squads across the Dubbo electorate will soon have access to seamless communications in any location, at any time, thanks to a $4.7 million investment by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the squads based at Dubbo, Gulgong, Mendooran, Mudgee, Narromine, and the state headquarters at Dubbo will receive a total of nine new units fitted in vehicles, and 38 new hand-held radios. “Whether it’s responding to major flooding, car crashes in remote locations or any number of other emergency situations, this technology will mean our VRA volunteers have access to radio

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Encouraging local artists to look up and fly

Emerging and existing artists across the Wellington district are set to be taken under the wing of Orana Arts, thanks to a new partnership made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $152,439 for Orana Arts to deliver the Maliyan Cultural Centre development program. The program will be delivered in two parts: Ngiyangarra (Look up) – six local artists attend weekend workshops with leading Aboriginal creatives in visual art, literature, digital and performance to building skills and broaden their scope Barrangirra (Fly) – an installation/presentation of works developed

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Nominate for Seniors Local Achievement Awards

Seniors who make the Dubbo electorate a great place to live can be recognised for their efforts, with NSW State MP Dugald Saunders urging locals to nominate them for the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Nominations are now open for the awards program which celebrates the work and achievements of seniors in the community. “Seniors are invaluable to our communities as volunteers, carers and role models – even more so during such a challenging year,” Mr Saunders said. “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate

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Better accessibility for visitors to ‘feel the thunder’

Visitors to the iconic Wellington Caves will have better accessibility to one of its most popular attractions, thanks to a significant investment from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate has today announced $22,000 for Dubbo Regional Council to replace the staircase to Thunder Cave, which has been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns. “Buried deep underground, the acoustics in the Thunder Cave are really something to behold – hence the name – but unfortunately the area also experiences really high humidity levels,” Mr Saunders said. “The existing staircase has

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Better protection for Mudgee tourism and growth

Planning rules have been updated to better protect local character and support the future growth of Mudgee. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) was updated last year to protect regional cities from encroaching renewable energy projects. “Given the increasing number of these projects, we updated planning rules to better protect our regional cities and population from incompatible development, and safeguard vital land needed to help them grow and prosper,” Mr Saunders said. “In recognition of its forecast growth and importance as a tourism and social infrastructure hub, Mudgee has now been added

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Give the gift of responsible pet ownership this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner and a puppy or kitten high on the wish list for many, a new campaign has been launched to help buyers avoid scams this holiday season. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the online campaign will help families avoid traps and feel confident in choosing a responsible breeder.  “A bit of research and asking a few simple questions can go a long way to protect you and your new furry friend,” Mr Saunders said. “This campaign is all about arming people with the right tools to identify any potential risks and stop scammers from

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Building the case for Dubbo airport expansion

Dubbo’s status as a regional emergency services centre of excellence has received a boost, thanks to a significant investment from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $98,250 for Dubbo Regional Council to develop a business case for the Dubbo Regional Airport Large Aerial Tanker (LAT) Base, runway lengthening, strengthening and taxiway construction. “Due to its central location, Dubbo was chosen to host one of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)’s LATs during the bushfire season, but this agreement is only in place until 2025,” Mr Saunders said. “Establishing this base will enable Dubbo

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Aboriginal-led cultural digitisation project preserving Trangie collection

Trangie’s Wungunja Cultural Centre will digitally preserve and protect the centre’s valuable cultural collection thanks to a $100,000 Creative Capital investment by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Wungunja Cultural Centre participated in the first phase of a First Nations Digitisation Project during its 12-month pilot phase, and this funding extends the project for a further two years. “The Wungunja Cultural Centre already plays an incredibly active role in educating the community about the region’s rich Aboriginal culture and heritage,” Mr Saunders said. “This funding will enable them to employ another part-time digital officer,

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A New Home for Gulgong Pony Club

Gulgong’s public recreation reserves are set for a significant uplift, thanks to a major investment from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $246,934 to tackle weeds and build a new clubhouse at the Gulgong Pony and Polocrosse Ground, as well as $34,700 to upgrade power boxes and purchase a tractor mower to maintain weeds at Gulgong Showground. “Used by the Gulgong Pony Club, Gulgong Polocrosse and Working Equitation, these grounds have amazing horse facilities, but for years now the human amenities have left a lot to be desired,” Mr

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