Author name: Dugald Saunders

When COVID-19 locked down NSW in 2020, TAFE educators did what they do best – coming up with innovative ways to train the skilled workforce of the future. Now the lessons they learned will benefit students for years to come with the installation of contemporary, digitally-enabled virtual teaching and learning spaces at campuses across NSW. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Connected Learning Points (CLPs) will be rolled out to campuses in Dubbo, Dunedoo, Mudgee, and Wellington, in what is a “major win for local students”. “This initiative will enhance access to training, allowing more students to live

Producers across the state’s west will continue to benefit from a subsidy that halves the quarantine costs of overseas agricultural workers after the NSW Government extended the program into the 2021/22 financial year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the initiative would significantly reduce costs in an industry that often relied on overseas workers. “This is fantastic news and a fantastic initiative from the NSW Government and I know our primary producers will welcome its extension,” Mr Saunders said. “Our farmers have been hit hard by a COVID-induced worker shortage, with many of them relying on seasonal and

Primary producers in the Dubbo electorate can apply for assistance to drought-proof their properties, with the much-anticipated second round of the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) Scheme now open. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said EWIR enabled eligible primary producers to access a 25 per cent rebate, up to $25,000, on new purchases and installation costs of new water infrastructure such as bores, dams and pipes. “This scheme was immensely popular the first time around and I can’t wait to see local farmers make the most of it to help drought-proof their properties,” Mr Saunders said. “The NSW

Residents and visitors alike will benefit from a boost to the much-loved Putta Bucca Wetlands, thanks to a government grant. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced Mid-Western Regional Council has received $859,700 from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program, which is jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. “The Putta Bucca Wetlands are a wonderful natural asset in the Mudgee region, but one that has not really been tapped into as much as it could be – until now,” Mr Saunders said. “The project will provide community and tourism infrastructure including picnic shelters, a boardwalk,