All regions

Primary producers affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can apply for recovery grants of up to $25,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event. The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties. A full list of eligible LGAs can be viewed on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority’s (RAA’s) Declared Natural Disasters webpage. Primary producers are encouraged not to […]

More than 4500 new patients have taken advantage of increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said over 1000 new patients from the Western and Far West Local Health Districts have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost came into effect. “It is fantastic that we’re able to help reduce the financial burden for regional patients and their families who have to travel for treatment,” Mr Saunders said.

About 2300 school students and over 200 teachers flocked to the Dubbo Showgrounds today for the second leg of the inaugural Stand Tall Regional Tour, supported by the NSW Government. Tailored for high school students, the event brings together inspirational speakers like Olympic medallist Nicola Mcdermott, The Voice 2021 winner, Bella Taylor-Smith, professional freestyle motocross riders Lance Russelland Ryley Davisand keynote speaker Michael Crossland. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said it was great to see such a huge turnout after what has been a really challenging few years for young people. “Our region’s youth are facing a very different

The NSW Government remains confident the State can become the first jurisdiction in the world to eradicate Varroa mite, as the emergency response reaches 100 days.  Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Department of Primary Industries has worked closely with other agencies and the beekeeping industry to contain the spread since Varroa mite was detected in sentinel hives at the Port of Newcastle in June.   “Varroa mite is the most serious threat to honey bees globally and if it was to settle in Australia, not only would it cost the honey industry $70 million a year, but it would

Students wrapping up their schooling will have the chance to gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages, under the NSW Governments Summer Skills program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said access to fee-free training program will help school leavers find their feet as they try to match their early career opportunities with the right training. “Businesses in our region, and right across NSW, need workers and they need them now,” Mr Saunders said. “This program will help upskill young people to fill some of those jobs this summer. “Summer Skills gives young people meaningful

Regional apprentices, trainees and university students are set to benefit from a new $250 travel card to help with the cost of the commute to work, training or university. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the initiative will take the pressure off the hip pocket of apprentices, trainees and university students in regional NSW. “We’re investing in the tradies, teachers and technicians of tomorrow,” Mr Saunders said. “We know apprentices and university students in the bush often need to travel long distances for work or between training, classes and practical learning – and this is about easing that

Abergeldie has been selected as the successful contractor to build the New Dubbo Bridge across the Wambuul-Macquarie River, the floodplain and the adjoining road construction. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion for local, visiting and freight operators and commuters, and improve access across the Macquarie River floodplain during flood events. “Recent severe weather events have once again highlighted the need for a second high-level crossing of the Wambuul-Macquarie River at Dubbo, to keep our city open in times of flood,”

Plans to restore the Trangie Soldiers’ Memorial Hall have received a major boost, after Narromine Shire Council received $3000 from the Community War Memorials Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the grant will enable council to gain engineering and heritage advice in order to repair and restore the hall. “The Trangie Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is a tribute to the men and women who have served our country, so it’s vital we make sure the hall is in a condition worthy of the people and the sacrifices it represents. “The hall is also a centrepiece of this bustling

Regional and rural councils will receive a $50 million boost to help address the increasing number of potholes brought on by this year’s extreme wet weather. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said under the new Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round, the Narromine Shire, Dubbo Regional and Mid-Western Regional Councils can apply for funding to help them address their highest priority pothole repairs. “It is hard to drive anywhere on our road network without dodging potholes as a result of the wet weather we have experienced this year,” Mr Saunders said. “We’ve heard the calls for help loud

Horticultural primary producers across NSW can access grants of up to $100,000 for the purchase and installation of protective netting over crops as part of the Australian Government’s $35 million nation-wide Horticultural Netting Program Trial Expansion. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the Australian Government had expanded an earlier trial in a number of states to provide assistance to growers in NSW. “The trial was well-received in other regions and we’re very pleased to be able to invest in resilience in NSW,” Minister Watt said. “It has been a tough year for growers with weather conditions,