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Applications are now open for the 2023 NSW Women’s Week Grants Program, with $100,000 in funding available for women-focused events held in March 2023. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has encouraged local councils and not-for-profit organisations to apply for a share of the funding to hold events that celebrate and connect women and girls across the region. “NSW Women’s Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of women and girls across our region,” Mr Saunders said. Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said NSW Women’s Week is a time to shine a light on

People across the region are being encouraged to nominate local people or events that helped to shape the rich heritage of NSW in the second round of the $5 million Blue Plaques program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the program is a fantastic opportunity for communities to learn about and celebrate local heritage. “This initiative is all about recognising the eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history of our state,” Mr Saunders said. “I encourage people to research our local history and nominate diverse and unique individuals and

Patients across the region will have easier access to medications through their local pharmacy, thanks to a new reform announced by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the reform will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer, trial pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of other conditions. “These ground-breaking reforms aim to relieve pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP, by giving our community more access to primary care services,” Mr Saunders said. “This announcement

Community groups are being encouraged to make an application for funds to conserve the state’s community war memorials under round two of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $125,000 would be available in round two which opened today with funding available to support the repair, protection and conservation of community war memorials across the state. “Last week we commemorated Remembrance Day, which saw veterans, families and friends gather at local war memorials to pay respect to and honour our veterans,” Mr Saunders said. “This funding from the state is vitally important

Wine producers across NSW will test a new vineyard management app to strengthen the industry’s ability to respond to biosecurity threats. Minister for Agriculture and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Track & Trace pilot project will be carried out in Mudgee, as well as Orange, Tumbarumba and Canberra. “Under the pilot, wineries will download the Onside app to collect and store movement data for their property,” Mr Saunders said. “We will then put the app to the test by running a mock simulation exercise, based on a phylloxera plant incursion, to see if the data improves

Young people from across the Central West converged on Taronga Western Plains Zoo recently for a youth leadership forum supported by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the ‘Connecting Country: Youth Leading the Way’ Summit, was a huge hit, bringing together 100 young people from Dubbo, Cobar, Kandos, Yeoval, the Central Coast and even Wilcannia. “When facing challenges like drought, a global pandemic or flooding, it’s not unusual for anyone to feel powerless,” Mr Saunders said. “With its focus on environmental conservation, this summit was all about empowering our young people with really practical actions

Grassroots sporting organisations, clubs and councils can now apply for a share of $43 million to help repair and rebuild flood affected sports facilities and infrastructure. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Essential Community Sport Assets Program was now available to 74 local government areas (LGAs) impacted by the February-March and June-July floods, including Narromine Shire, Dubbo Regional and Mid-Western Regional. “We know that the floods and storms experienced throughout this year resulted in widespread damage, impacting sporting organisations and clubs,” Mr Saunders said. “This funding will help repair, restore and improve flood damaged community sports facilities

Locals are being urged to double down on their recycling efforts this week to mark National Recycling Week. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the theme of this year’s National Recycling Week is ‘Waste isn’t Waste until it’s Wasted’. “This is an important week because it helps remind us about how we can each waste less and recycle more in our daily lives,” Mr Saunders said. “For example, if you’re not already turning trash into treasure through our Return and Earn scheme, I encourage you to start collecting your bottles and taking them into a local drop off