All regions

Entrepreneurs in new and emerging industries in regional NSW will be supported to grow their business and revenues, raise funds, and create local jobs, thanks to the NSW Government’s new $2 million Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said grants of between $300,000 and $700,000 will be available to accelerator and incubator programs in regional NSW that support regional entrepreneurs and start-ups in emerging sectors and future industries. “Regional entrepreneurs face additional challenges to their city counterparts, including access to best practice, customers, supply chains, partners and funding,” Mr Saunders said. “These grants will support […]

The Dubbo region’s rich Aboriginal heritage is set to be preserved and shared for generations to come thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government, Dubbo Regional Council and Traditional Owners. Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders was today joined by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts Ben Franklin to announce $5 million in funding from Create NSW’s Creative Capital program for Stage Two of the Wiradjuri Cultural Tourism Centre and Educational Safe Keeping Place. Mr Saunders said this project will deliver on the community’s wishes following   consultation.  “This is an exciting day for the people of Dubbo, especially the

More roads in the region are in line for vital repair, maintenance and sealing work under Round Four of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said previous rounds of the program have delivered over $12 million for projects across Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, and Narromine Shire Council Local Government Areas (LGAs). “As we all know, after a few years of heavy rain many of our local roads are in poor condition,” Mr Saunders said. “This program gives councils in our region the chance to apply for funding to deliver projects including sealing,

Primary producers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on a NSW Government plan to safeguard the State’s $21 billion food and fibre industry, as part of an upgraded biosecurity strategy. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the purpose of the strategy is to: Set a clear vision for biosecurity and food safety in NSW;  Map strategy objectives for Government, industry, and the community; and Outline key activities that will guide decision-making for farmers. “The NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022-2030 will be our blueprint for protecting the livelihoods, economy and environment against biosecurity and food safety risks,” Mr

New, innovative and unforgettable tourism drawcards that will bring visitors from far and wide to regional NSW are set for a major funding boost, thanks to the NSW Government’s $150 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the fund supports local economies and jobs by backing the unique tourism experiences the region has to offer. “This region is home to some truly amazing and unique cultural, sporting and tourism attractions, and this fund is all about making sure they’re the best they can be,” Mr Saunders said. “In the first round we committed over

The NSW Government has mobilised its team of veterinarians and specialist biosecurity staff, ramping up efforts to ensure farmers are in the best position to manage a possible incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).   Expert staff from Local Land Services (LLS) will connect with farmers through a series of targeted workshops, webinars, and visits to saleyards and field days to help farmers identify and report the early signs of both FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said while the focus remains on keeping these diseases out of NSW, it’s crucial

Applications will soon open for the NSW Government’s $160 million Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five, which will see even more investment in regional community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to life in the across the region. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the latest round was a great opportunity for councils and community groups to seek funding for projects in the region that improve the quality of life for locals. “This is great news for the Dubbo electorate, and I am thrilled that the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment of supporting

On Tuesday, 5 July, the NSW Government was officially notified by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) had been detected in Bali. That news has certainly raised huge concerns for the entire livestock industry, and this is the closest the devastating disease has ever been to Australia. FMD is a highly contagious disease which affects cattle, buffalo, pigs, sheep, deer, camelids and goats, which are those animals with a cloven hoof. It spreads through close contact between animals and can be carried on animal products, equipment, people’s clothing or by the wind.

A Dubbo-based company dedicated to growing Aboriginal participation in the construction industry is the latest beneficiary of the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $493,000 for Goanna Services to invest equipment for NSW’s first Aboriginal Plant Operator Academy. “The NSW Government is building record infrastructure across regional NSW, and we want to see as many local and Indigenous people reaping the benefits as possible,” Mr Saunders said. “Unfortunately, short timelines can make contractors hesitant to bring on unskilled workers. “This funding will enable Goanna Services to establish a mobile training