Author name: Dugald Saunders

A time to reflect and celebrate

Australia Day is the day of the year that we celebrate everything that makes Australia such a fantastic place to call home. I know Australia Day means different things to different people: for some, it’s a reminder of some of the darker times we have endured as a nation; for others it’s a celebration of how far they’ve come to get here. On top of all of those things, I think we should also take the opportunity this year to reflect on how far WE have come. In the past 12 months we’re endured more turmoil than most of us […]

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Funding provides food and hope to vulnerable community members

Vulnerable members of the community will have access to food and social engagement thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and BaptistCare. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders announced on Friday that the organisation has received $16,375 from the Community Building Partnerships program to purchase a barbecue trailer that will service Dubbo and surrounding communities. “We know that drought and COVID have made things tough for people, and the Hope Street program will allow BaptistCare to reach out to more people and provide assistance to them,” Mr Saunders said. “The wonderful thing about this program is that by

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New homes to support seniors and jobs

Work is underway on a $4.6 million housing renewal project in Dubbo that will deliver new social homes, an improved streetscape and a boost for the local economy and jobs. Existing ageing social housing dwellings at 127-131 Jubilee Street are being replaced by a modern two-storey building comprising 14 new homes for seniors in a vibrant community. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said construction is another milestone in the NSW Government’s work to revitalise social housing, strengthen communities and support economic recovery from COVID-19. “There is a significant demand for seniors housing in the Dubbo local government area

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Womens sport a winner with NSW Government funding boost

Sporting groups in our region will be able to apply for funding for new or improved women’s change rooms and amenities, thanks to new funding committed under the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $50 million will be available for women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms, under the $100 million Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with applications to open in May 2021. Mr Saunders said a lack of quality facilities can be a barrier for women interested in playing community sport and this funding will deliver the facilities

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Applications open for second year of Regional Seniors Travel Card program

Seniors living in the Dubbo electorate will continue to benefit from the regional seniors travel card, with applications for this year’s card now open. The regional seniors travel card, which was issued to more than 8400 people* in the Dubbo, Narromine and Mid-Western local government areas last year, is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he is looking forward to the second year of the two-year trial following a successful first 12 months,

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Support for Womens Week events

Women across NSW will be able to access community, educational or mentoring events during Women’s Week 2021 thanks to a $100,000 grants program from the NSW Government.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has urged community organisations and local councils to apply for a share of the funding to host events between 8-14 March this year. “The return of this popular program will enable and empower organisations in Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Wellington, Gulgong, Mudgee and surrounding towns to hold virtual or COVID-safe face-to-face events to help the community connect and celebrate the diverse contributions of local women,” he said. “We

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New COVID-safe school guidelines released

Parents and carers of children in Kindergarten, and Year 1,2 and 7 can enter school grounds on the first day of the new school year, as part of the updated return-to-school guidelines.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the first day of school is incredibly important, especially for those children starting Kindergarten. “The first day of school is incredibly exciting for students and parents, I am thrilled the NSW Government has been able to work with the community and NSW Health to deliver a result that means parents and carers can be part of this important day,” he

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Workshops to help businesses kick-start 2021

Small business owners are being encouraged to start the New Year by taking advantage of the NSW Government’s Business Connect support services. Business Connect continues to offer free advice to businesses affected by COVID-19, bushfires and drought. There are more than 120 Business Connect advisors across NSW and they provide independent, tailored business advice, as well as multicultural and specialist support. This month, Business Connect is also hosting a series of online workshops to help businesses survive and thrive in 2021. The upcoming Business Connect workshops include: Brand building for small business Start a business workshop Develop your 2021 business

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Opportunity to share in millions of sports facilities funding

Applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund to create and upgrade sport facilities in the region. The two-year program was a highlight of the recent budget and will see $50 million available to organisations and councils in 2020/21 with a further $50 million available next financial year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the fund is aimed at improving infrastructure for our communities. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s lives, including our local community sport competitions,” Mr Saunders said. “Not only that, but throughout the drought

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Meaningful ‘change’ for regional women in business

A program aimed at upskilling regional women will continue in Dubbo, with Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders announcing The Exchange will receive $50,000 from the NSW Government’s ‘Investing In Women’ fund. Titled ‘The Change’, the program allows women from the regions to either attend in-person or online and brings together like-minded colleagues to workshop on commercial success, upskilling and network building. Mr Saunders said he is excited that the program, which has successfully been piloted at The Exchange, has received funding under the program which is designed to advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls

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