Author name: Dugald Saunders

A program dedicated to supporting small, volunteer-run museums will receive a much-needed boost thanks to the NSW Government’s investment in Orana Arts. The NSW Government has committed $200,000 in core operational funds to each Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) in 2021/22 – up from $168,000 the previous financial year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the additional $32,000 will help Orana Arts adapt to a post-COVID world, and invest in its Volunteers. Artists. Museums. Program. “Every town has a story to tell, and in many regional areas that story is only told thanks to our passionate volunteers,” Mr

Applications for funding for 2022 NSW Women’s Week events are now open, with local councils and not-for-profits encouraged to apply. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $100,000 is available for local organisations seeking to host community, education, and mentoring opportunities for women and girls between 7 to 13 March, 2022. “This week is about recognising women from the Dubbo electorate, and celebrating their diverse contributions,” Mr Saunders said. “We are looking for events that not only bring women and girls together in a COVID-safe setting, but also provide practical support to help women across the region.” Events should

Families and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate the state’s COVID recovery. The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes funding to stimulate economic activity with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed the package which includes a $250 boost for family holidays in 2022. “As life returns to normal the Government is looking to encourage people to get out and support the many local businesses who did it tough throughout the lockdown,” Mr Saunders said. “As

After 400 pairs of hands on the job, 20,000 tonnes of asphalt laid, and more than 21,000 tonnes of material excavated, the Newell and Mitchell highways intersection upgrade has hit a major milestone, with traffic lights being switched on later this week. The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the $40 million upgrade to the four-lane intersection to improve road safety and improve efficiencies. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this is just one of 13 projects the Australian Government is funding along the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor, under

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 said young people across the region have had to endure the effects of the pandemic and adapt to new learning environments. “The Youth Development Scholarship will help eliminate some of the barriers to higher education encountered by many individuals in our community, with scholarships available for students in Years 10, 11 and 12, or TAFE equivalent,” Mr Saunders said. “Applications are now open, and I encourage

Dubbo locals are invited to attend an information session next week to learn how they can be fast tracked into entry level jobs on the Regional Rail project. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said job seekers will be able to apply to join a pre-employment program designed to provide them with the necessary technical and employability skills training. “We need a workforce to help construct the purpose-built Mindyarra Maintenance centre in Dubbo to support the new NSW regional rail fleet, and there are many other employers in the region looking for people with training in basic construction skills,”