Author name: Dugald Saunders

Schools powering the Dubbo electorate

Dubbo, Mudgee & Gulgong, Wellington /

Three schools in the Dubbo electorate are part of an innovative new program being piloted to explore the potential for schools to use solar PV panels and batteries to generate electricity for themselves, and create enough to supply electricity to the state’s energy grid.   Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Gulgong Public School, Stuart Town Public School and Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre are taking part in this pilot.   “This is a great initiative for NSW public schools and I am thrilled to know that our electorate will have three out of the 25 schools involved in the pilot,” Mr Saunders said. “The pilot project will […]

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Megafauna education centre officially opens

Wellington /

The Wellington Caves visitor centre is now home to an interactive education centre, with the $700,000 project officially opened on Monday. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined Dubbo Regional Council mayor Stephen Lawrence and other councillors and staff for the occasion, which celebrated a $700,000 collaboration between the NSW and Federal governments, and the council itself. The Ancient Landscapes Gallery tells the 400-million-year-old history of the changing landscape of the region. In years past, the Wellington Caves area was covered by ocean, and receding waters eventually uncovered the fascinating caves and some jaw-dropping megafauna fossils. The NSW Government

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Local Government Elections and Project Walwaay

From my Desk /

Over the weekend, the NSW Government announced that the Local government elections will be postponed to Saturday, 4 December 2021 This decision has been made in response to the current COVID-19 situation, after extensive consultation and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health. This is about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities, voters, polling staff and candidates. the NSW government has also been working with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to implement a comprehensive plan to allow voters to cast their ballot safely in person, by post or online. iVote (electronic voting) will also be

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Funding will help provide basic skills to vulnerable children

Dubbo /

A literacy and numeracy program attached to the highly-successful Project Walwaay will be able to continue, thanks to $30,000 worth of funding secured by Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders. Education and Training Out West (ETOW) has worked in conjunction with Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs) attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District to identify children with a desire to complete the program. Previously, funding for the one-on-one training has come from philanthropic donations, however when that partnership ended the future of the service was in some doubt. “I met with Anne Shortis from ETOW and Willie Middleton earlier this

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A helping hand for those who give hope

Dubbo, Mudgee & Gulgong, Narromine & Trangie, Wellington /

A charity that provides assistance for families of country children diagnosed with cancer and other chronic life-threatening illnesses has been given a helping hand to expand operations. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders announced today that $7500 has been allocated to Wagga-based organisation Country Hope to establish itself in the Dubbo region. “Country Hope does amazing work in providing financial and emotional support for the families of sick children when it’s most needed, so it’s a great feeling to be able to provide support,” Mr Saunders said. “We all hope we’ll never find ourselves in a situation to need

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Narromine residents encouraged to register for COVID vaccine

Narromine & Trangie /

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging people from Narromine and surrounds to register for a COVID-19 vaccination, with a clinic to be established for a day early next month. The Western NSW Local Health District will operate a pop-up vaccination clinic at the Narromine Showground on Tuesday, August 3, with eligible recipients able to receive the first dose of the Pfizer jab. The clinic will return on Tuesday, August 24, to provide second doses only. “I’m aware there are plenty of people who want to access the vaccine but haven’t been able to as yet,” Mr Saunders

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Regional residents reminded to remain vigilant and COVID-safe

Dubbo, Mudgee & Gulgong, Narromine & Trangie, Wellington /

Residents across the Central West and Western region are urged to make sure they know and follow the COVID-19 rules currently in place to keep regional and rural NSW safe, as the State remains on high alert. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government is doing everything it can to keep the community safe, and we all need to continue following the rules to protect our loved ones and the community. “As a region, we’ve been doing a great job of keeping our part of the world free of COVID-19, and given what is happening in

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Saunders encourages HSC students to access Stay Healthy Hub

Dubbo, Mudgee & Gulgong, Narromine & Trangie, Wellington /

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has thrown his support behind an online portal designed to help HSC students through the COVID-19 pandemic The Stay Healthy HSC Hub will have 24-hour access to support from Australia’s leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams. Mr Saunders said while last year’s Year 12 cohort were the first to deal with the stress of exams during the pandemic, this year’s group have had 18 months of disrupted learning. “Year 12 is a stressful enough time for students as it is, but this group that are about

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COVID-19 support and great news for Dubbo Filmmakers

From my Desk /

Last week the NSW and Commonwealth Governments unveiled more support for businesses and individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions. Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package include: Weekly payments of $375 or $600 for employees whose working hours have been cut by 8-20 or 20+ hours per week respectively An extension to the previously announced business grants program. This means eligible businesses within Australian wages below $10 million can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three-weeks of restrictions Payroll tax waivers of 25% for businesses with Australian wages of between $1.2 million and $10 million

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Scholarships open for aspiring school mental health workers

Dubbo, Mudgee & Gulgong, Narromine & Trangie, Wellington /

The NSW Government is continuing to prioritise student wellbeing by ensuring a strong pipeline of qualified mental health professionals in our schools. The impacts of drought and COVID-19 have played out within our school communities, making mental health a key challenge facing young people across the region. To support students through these challenges, over 80 scholarships will be handed out this year to encourage aspiring counsellors and graduate psychologists to choose a rewarding career within the school counselling service. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the scholarships are a great way to attract graduates and encourage existing teachers

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