Author name: Dugald Saunders

Members of the community are encouraged to celebrate the outstanding work women do in our local councils by making a nomination for the 2022 Ministers’ Women in Local Government Awards. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the annual awards are a chance to recognise female councillors and staff from Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, and Narromine Shire Councils, who make invaluable contributions to improve our daily lives. “There are many women playing a vital role in making our local council and community stronger through their hard work and bold ideas,” Mr Saunders said. “Community members can nominate a female

The NSW Drug Court will start sitting at Dubbo on February 20 next year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Drug Court will make a real difference to the region. “This is the first court of its kind in regional NSW and a great win for our community,” Mr Saunders said. “Beating addiction and drug use is not just a criminal justice issue, but also a health issue. “The Drug Court is proven to be efficient at driving down crime, and its opening on February 20 will be a great day not just for our community, but for

Community groups can apply for $3,000 grants for projects supporting local veterans or boosting awareness of their role in Australia’s military history. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said applications are now open for the $100,000 Anzac Community Grants Program and urged locals to apply. “Veterans past and present served to keep us safe and this is a great chance to recognise their sacrifices, while enriching our communities,” Mr Saunders said. “Maybe it’s restoring a medals’ display cabinet, creating an interactive remembrance garden or researching a local veteran; let’s see what our community ideas and needs are.” Grants cover

Some of the Dubbo electorate’s most disadvantaged young people will be supported to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders encouraged eligible youth in the Dubbo electorate to apply for the $1000 grant. “Focusing on school is not always easy, especially if you’re facing challenges with your health, caring duties, home life, or the cost of education and training,” Mr Saunders said. “The Scholarship will provide a financial boost to disadvantaged young people to give them the tools they need to finish their studies. “Students can

Primary producers affected by the February-March flooding event in New South Wales this year can now access additional funding of up to $100,000 thanks to a jointly funded program developed by the Commonwealth and NSW governments. The $100 million Critical Producer Grant Program will provide primary producers hardest hit by floods with support to restore production systems and rebuild essential infrastructure to a standard that will better withstand future disasters. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the Australian and New South Wales Governments remain committed to the recovery of flood-affected primary producers. “We recognise that

Prepare your family’s bush fire survival plan now: that’s the message from Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in the lead-up to bush fire season. Mr Saunders said more than 500 community awareness events will be hosted by Rural Fire Brigades on Saturday, part of the annual Get Ready Weekend. “With the official bush fire season fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. You dramatically improve the chances of you and your home surviving a devastating bush fire by doing a few simple things such as cleaning out your gutters, trimming

Applications are open for grants supporting innovative ideas to boost public access to the region’s most significant heritage places and stimulate the local economy. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to get involved and celebrate the region’s rich heritage. “We are so lucky to have incredible heritage sites, and I’m excited to hear ideas on how we can reinvigorate these places to draw people in to learning about and experiencing the history of the area,” Mr Saunders said. “Across the state, $5 million in funding will support these heritage

State-wide surveillance will be strengthened to ensure NSW beekeepers have greater flexibility to continue their operations, through a new Varroa Mite Emergency Order, effective today.  Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said changes to the Emergency Order will increase the surveillance registered beekeepers are required to conduct each year. “Registered beekeepers across NSW have shown strong support for the eradication of Varroa mite after it was detected by the NSW Government’s sentinel hives near the Port of Newcastle in June,” Mr Saunders said. “The latest changes require beekeepers to alcohol wash a portion of their hives at least every 16 weeks,

The search is on to find the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the annual awards play an important role in recognising inspirational women from diverse backgrounds across not only the Dubbo electorate, but the state. “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the women and girls who are making a real difference to our community,” Mr Saunders said. Nominations are open for the following six categories: Woman of Excellence Aboriginal Woman of the Year Community Hero