All regions

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

Councils and eligible not-for-profit organisations across the Dubbo electorate are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver Holiday Break activities for young people during the spring holidays. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the $10 million program offers young people in the region aged 12-24 years the opportunity to socialise with their peers, learn something new and have fun. “The Holiday Break program provides ways for young people to engage and connect with people their own age in a wider range of events from arts and cultural activities to outdoor leisure pursuits” “It’s also a great foundation to

Key members of the rural sector have today joined the NSW Government at Sydney International Airport to send a message to travellers to do their bit to keep the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) out of Australia. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said with FMD now on our doorstep in Bali and other parts of Indonesia, and international flights at peak levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical everyone plays their part in protecting our biosecurity. “We know that an incursion of FMD would be devastating and the impacts would be felt far beyond

The NSW Government has announced it will hire a record number of new apprentices and trainees to work on vital road and transport infrastructure in regional New South Wales. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said applications are now open for new apprentices and trainees across our region. “This is a great opportunity to train up locals and develop the next generation of skilled workers out in the regions,” Mr Saunders said. “I encourage anyone interested in developing their skills or seeking a new career path working on road and transport infrastructure to look into this program. “It is

Seniors living across the Dubbo electorate are reminded to protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said people aged 65 and over can book in a free flu shot at pharmacies and GPs. “Getting the flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu by up to 60 per cent, and most importantly, it provides vital protection against severe illness and death. “This is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or living in close proximity to someone who is susceptible to serious illness from influenza. “Vaccination against the flu is especially

Young people in the Dubbo electorate will be able to enjoy the upcoming winter school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed the program and said it offers great opportunities for young people to learn new skills, meet people, and have fun at the same time. “The Holiday Break program empowers young people to come together, step out of their comfort zone, and do activities they might otherwise not have ever thought of doing before,” Mr Saunders said. “Young people in the Dubbo electorate can enjoy free or

Dubbo residents living with dementia and their carers will be able to benefit from a specialised interactive music therapy program, thanks to funding from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the grant of $42,440 would fund a Dementia Choir in Dubbo. “Dementia Choirs have been proven to decrease behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, while also increasing socialisation during the music sessions,” Mr Saunders said. “These sessions will help improve the quality and interest of life for the patients by reducing levels of stress, anxiety and depression.” Lourdes Hospital & Community Health Service Dementia Counsellor

Organisations in the Dubbo electorate can now apply for funding to support local community projects, thanks to the NSW Government’s Clubgrants program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Clubgrants allow local community groups to build or upgrade community facilities, with applications welcome from not-for-profit organisations. “$12.5 million is available this year for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure,” Mr Saunders said. “This is an opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding for projects that will provide long-term benefits to the community. “Infrastructure Grants can fund construction, alteration,