Author name: Dugald Saunders

Landcare groups will be able to help restore riverbanks that have suffered from recent natural disasters to their former glory, thanks to a new NSW Government $3 million support program. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall announced the Landcare Small Grants Program today, which is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package. “The program will fund grass-roots projects that will both restore and future-proof damaged riverbanks, while also providing immediate economic stimulus,” Mr Marshall said. “Whether it was the bushfires, drought or repeated flood events, our riverbanks and waterways have been severely impacted over the

State-of-the-art irrigation screens will be installed along the Macquarie River as part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package delivering benefits for farmers and native fish alike. Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall announced the $13.5 million package in Dubbo today and said the projects would deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits for regional towns, particularly those in the Central West. “This program of works will ensure 70 per cent of extracted water is screened, clean and fish friendly, saving more than 2 million native fish every year in the Macquarie River,” Mr

The vital work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has received a $140,000 boost thanks to the generous NSW residents who donated their refunds from recycling bottles and cans through Return and Earn. RFDS, which provides accessible and equitable healthcare to rural, regional and remote NSW, was added as a listed charity to Return and Earn earlier this year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this was an impressive achievement, particularly considering lockdown restrictions. “The Flying Doctors deliver vital healthcare to outback communities and $140,000 will make a real difference to the important services they provide,” Mr

The children of the Dubbo electorate unleashed their creativity in this year’s Christmas card design competition, according to Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders. Each year Mr Saunders calls for primary-school children across the electorate to help design his Christmas card, and this year 12-year-old Aaron Devenish has brought the title back to Mudgee Public School. Hot on his heels were 10-year-old Zeon Berger from St Mary’s Primary School in Dubbo, and 9-year-old Emily Lucan from Orana Heights Public School. “This year saw a record number of entries with the theme ‘Let Loose from Lockdown’ – and the kids

Communities across the Western NSW Local Health District will benefit from the NSW Government’s $500 million health infrastructure boost, with $6 million in equipment to be delivered across the region. NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the funding would upgrade the Local Health District’s biomedical equipment. “Funding will improve the LHDs scope equipment, and that means if you undergo procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy your medical team will have access to the most up to date technology to deliver those services to rural patients,” Mr Toole said. “The fastest growing part of our region’s population

Prepare a bushfire survival plan, don’t drive through floodwater, swim between the flags and make sure your home is fire safe this summer – these are some of the summer safety tips NSW emergency service agencies have shared ahead of the 2021 season. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said now is the time to prepare, ahead of decorating your home for Christmas and enjoying hot days by the water. “People can’t become complacent – it is vital that everyone takes the time to know what your risk is and prepare,” Mr Saunders said. All communities are urged to