Author name: Dugald Saunders

Dubbo residents living with dementia and their carers will be able to benefit from a specialised interactive music therapy program, thanks to funding from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the grant of $42,440 would fund a Dementia Choir in Dubbo. “Dementia Choirs have been proven to decrease behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, while also increasing socialisation during the music sessions,” Mr Saunders said. “These sessions will help improve the quality and interest of life for the patients by reducing levels of stress, anxiety and depression.” Lourdes Hospital & Community Health Service Dementia Counsellor

Organisations in the Dubbo electorate can now apply for funding to support local community projects, thanks to the NSW Government’s Clubgrants program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Clubgrants allow local community groups to build or upgrade community facilities, with applications welcome from not-for-profit organisations. “$12.5 million is available this year for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Mr Saunders said. “This is an opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding for projects that will provide long-term benefits to the community. “Infrastructure Grants can fund construction, alteration,

Customers with sensory processing issues will be able to experience a quieter and less stimulating environment at the Dubbo Service NSW Centre, as part of a Quiet Hour pilot. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Quiet Hour pilot will run for three months at the Dubbo Service Centre, along with seven other Centres across NSW. “Service NSW aims to make all customers feel welcome and supported when visiting a Service Centre,” Mr Saunders said. “Some people have sensory processing issues, and may find sound and light overwhelming. “Quiet Hour offers a lower-sensory experience by making changes in

The NSW Government is making a major investment to better prepare communities and respond to bush fires, by committing $315.2 million over the next four years to complete the recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. $191 million has been allocated to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to help keep NSW communities safe through vital hazard reduction works, maintenance of strategic fire trails, and the procurement of the new fleet. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the devastating Black Summer of 2019-20 had a lasting impact on communities right across the State, and in

Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders welcomes the NSW Government’s injection of $743 million into palliative care and other specialist health services, saying it will bring greater comfort and dignity to NSW residents with life-limiting illnesses. “The five-year funding is on top of the $300 million the NSW Government invests in palliative care each year,” Mr Saunders said. “It is estimated that of the 50,000 people on average that die in NSW each year, 70 per cent could benefit from palliative care services. “Today’s announcement will significantly boost funding for end-of-life palliative care, delivering equitable access to pain management

Casey Martin from Alkane Resources – Tomingley Gold Operations has been awarded the NSW Women in Mining Outstanding Trade, Operator or Technician. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders congratulated Casey on her achievement, which was announced last night at the NSW Women in Mining Awards 2022. “The NSW Women in Mining Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of leading women in the NSW mining industry, many of whom I was able to meet at the presentation last night” Mr Saunders said. “Coming up against three other women in her category, this is a fantastic result for Casey. “Casey has

Families in the Dubbo electorate are set to save thousands of dollars a year on childcare costs, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5 billion landmark investment over the next decade to expand access to high quality, affordable care. Under the reforms, a middle-income family living in the Dubbo electorate with two children in childcare is expected to save around $7,800. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he is thrilled to hear that local families are set to have access to affordable childcare. “Improving the affordability and accessibility of childcare is a once in a generation economic reform,” Mr

Access to first-class cardiac care and treatment across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has been significantly enhanced with the opening of Dubbo Hospital’s brand new Cardiac Catheter Laboratory. The new Cardiac Cath Lab welcomed its first patients on Wednesday 8 June, and is the final service to come online as part of the $150 million third and fourth stages of the Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment. Minister for Western NSW and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the opening of the new Cardiac Cath Lab is a major milestone, and will benefit patients across the entire region. “Chronic diseases,

Julie Townsend of VRA Rescue NSW Narromine has been named as one of NSW top 28 emergency service workers. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders congratulated Julie on being recognised as a finalist in the 2022 Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards. “Our community has faced back to back natural disasters and challenging events over the past few years, whether it be drought, bush fires, COVID-19, floods or storms,” Mr Saunders said. “There seemed to be no respite for our first responders, including Julie, but they never stopped working to protect local residents. “This courage