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Residents are being urged to familiarise themselves with the NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) new warning system as the official Storm Season begins. Member of the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the SES is adopting the national three-tiered system to provide communities with greater clarity. “Early warnings save lives and this new system will support everyone right across our region in making safe decisions when emergencies strike,” Mr Saunders said. “Each type of warning will be accompanied by a clear action statement, like stay informed, prepare to evacuate and move to higher ground, so that people know exactly what steps […]

This October long weekend marks the beginning of the great annual trade-off, when we all lose an hour of sleep in the morning but gain an hour of sunshine in the evening. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is reminding people in the (electorate) that daylight saving officially begins on Sunday 2 October, when clocks are pushed forward an hour from 2am to 3am. “While most electronic devices such as mobile phones and smart watches automatically update for daylight saving, manual clocks or watches still need to be wound forward an hour,” Mr Saunders said. Attorney General Mark Speakman

A White Spot outbreak has successfully been contained in Northern NSW, with results confirming the estuary surrounding an infected premises is clear of the disease. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the swift and effective response in the eradication of this disease reiterates the strength of the NSW Government’s biosecurity practices. “The moment White Spot was detected in farmed Black Tiger Prawns at a production facility last month, the NSW Government immediately convened an emergency response,” Mr Saunders said. “We quickly implemented formal measures to contain the disease and prevent further spread from the facility, including the destruction of stock

The NSW Government is working with Optus to support customers affected by the recent cyberattack. Optus has confirmed some customers may have had a range of information accessed, including passport and driver licence details, as a result of the breach. Information potentially accessed will vary depending on what was originally provided by the customer to Optus. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said customers in NSW can immediately begin the recovery process by ordering a replacement licence. “A $29 replacement fee will be charged and reimbursement advice will be issued by Optus,” Mr Saunders said. “The replacement licence will

The NSW Government has taken another step towards fast tracking the world first mRNA vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease, inking a deal with US biotechnology company Tiba Biotech. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said today marks an important milestone towards securing the vaccine technology that will protect Australia’s $28.7 billion livestock industry. “The NSW Nationals in Government are taking the threat of FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease extremely seriously, and this milestone is another step forward in preparing for a potential outbreak,” Mr Toole said. “I have now written to

Members of the community are encouraged to celebrate the outstanding work women do in our local councils by making a nomination for the 2022 Ministers’ Women in Local Government Awards. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the annual awards are a chance to recognise female councillors and staff from Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, and Narromine Shire Councils, who make invaluable contributions to improve our daily lives. “There are many women playing a vital role in making our local council and community stronger through their hard work and bold ideas,” Mr Saunders said. “Community members can nominate a female

The NSW Drug Court will start sitting at Dubbo on February 20 next year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Drug Court will make a real difference to the region. “This is the first court of its kind in regional NSW and a great win for our community,” Mr Saunders said. “Beating addiction and drug use is not just a criminal justice issue, but also a health issue. “The Drug Court is proven to be efficient at driving down crime, and its opening on February 20 will be a great day not just for our community, but for

Community groups can apply for $3,000 grants for projects supporting local veterans or boosting awareness of their role in Australia’s military history. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said applications are now open for the $100,000 Anzac Community Grants Program and urged locals to apply. “Veterans past and present served to keep us safe and this is a great chance to recognise their sacrifices, while enriching our communities,” Mr Saunders said. “Maybe it’s restoring a medals’ display cabinet, creating an interactive remembrance garden or researching a local veteran; let’s see what our community ideas and needs are.” Grants cover