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The Minns Labor Government’s third bleak budget will leave regional communities defenceless against the escalating youth crime crisis. Outside of the $2m for Moree Youth Crime Intervention, $1.5m to continue the Coalition’s Maranguka Justice Reinvestment project in Bourke, and a measly $5.5 million in early intervention and diversion programs for young people in contact with the criminal justice system, there is no additional funding to help deal with the epidemic. By contrast, the former Coalition Government announced a landmark $36m youth crime package ahead of the 2023 election including the establishment of Violence Reduction Units to steer young people away

Entries for the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards are now open with visitor economy operators invited to showcase their enterprise. The awards, delivered by the NSW Tourism Association, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry and form part of the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards. With 30 business categories there is a category for tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes including tourist attractions, tour and transport, festivals and events, food, wine, accommodation and more. This year’s program features a streamlined entry process and a guided format to help entrants present their achievements. Nominations close on 13 June

Dubbo woman Carol Mudford has been named winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award last night at a ceremony held in Sydney.   Member for the Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders, commended Carol on the honour, recognising her dedication to helping others through challenging times.   Carol is the founder of sHedway, a community led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support in the shearing industry.  “With experience as a roustabout, shearer, and registered nurse specialising in mental health, Carol has a well-developed understanding of the challenges faced in both the mental health sector and the shearing industry and this

A new guidebook has been launched to help landowners and the community to better navigate and understand the transition to renewable energy.  The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide has been developed by NSW Farmers in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government.  It is designed to ensure landowners in NSW are better-informed as they engage with developers, government agencies and contractors in Renewable Energy Zones and beyond.  The guide will assist landowners who are considering hosting wind, solar or battery projects, and those engaging with energy companies about transmission projects in their region.   Another aim is

The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns Labor Government for leaving regional communities defenceless against the escalating youth crime crisis, as it pours all its focus into Moree. The Premier announced an additional $2m over the next four years to go towards an existing pilot program in the region, while other areas are still no closer to a solution. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Government’s narrow approach is failing to protect residents and families. “Youth crime isn’t just a Moree problem, it’s a regional NSW problem. It’s gripping every corner of every rural and remote community, and it’s

Residents of the Dubbo electorate are encouraged to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.  Local MP Dugald Saunders said the festival and the awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of seniors.  “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution.   “This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society,” Mr Saunders said.  Nominations are now open for the awards