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The ban on lightweight plastic bags is now in place across NSW with support and advice available to businesses, organisations and consumers. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said there has been extensive consultation with businesses for years, ahead of the ban being implemented this week. “This is a great step towards protecting our environment, but it’s important businesses know they can get help and advice if they need it,” Mr Saunders said. “We know there is widespread support among businesses for the plastics ban, and in turn, local businesses have been supported through monthly webinars and community sessions […]

Women across the Orana region are urged to register for one of the NSW Government’s free Women in Agriculture Lunch and Learn events. In partnership with Essential Energy, the 20 free events kick off state-wide on 1 June until 15 July, focusing on safety while working in rural settings. Member for the Dubbo electorate and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said women in Dubbo, Nyngan, Walgett and surrounding areas can influence improved health and safety outcomes as they are often at the forefront of rural workplaces, which commonly double up as households. “Women are often at the

Farmers and regional communities in the state’s Central West can now readily access detailed, real-time weather observations received by the new Doppler radar at Yeoval. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the information provided by the radar will revolutionise how weather-dependent decisions are made, and will enhance the productivity of rural communities. “The new Doppler radar at Yeoval enables the Bureau of Meteorology to provide accurate, real-time data, determining rain and wind velocity, raindrop and hail size, and the height of bushfire plumes up to 200 kilometres from the radar site,” Mr Saunders said. “Primary producers, emergency

Some of the state’s littlest and most remote learners have been welcomed back to preschool for the first time in more than 12 months. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the mini-school run by the Dubbo School of Distance Education (DSODE) is an incredibly important service, supporting 72 students who are geographically isolated and might not otherwise have access to preschool in the year before Kindergarten. “I am thrilled that our ‘Preschool Pit-Stop’ is back up and running after the service was paused due to COVID,” Mr Saunders said. “This is such a great opportunity for families. Distant

Women across the region are being urged to have their say and help shape the direction and priorities of the next NSW Women’s Strategy, with public consultation now open. The NSW Women’s Strategy provides a policy framework to help improve the lives of women by addressing the structural issues that affect gender equality. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said it’s important the Strategy reflects the priorities and experiences of women across regional, rural and remote NSW – not just the major cities. “Getting the next Strategy right relies on us understanding what is working well, and what areas

Community projects needing additional funding support can now apply for the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has encouraged local councils, organisations and community groups to get involved. “This program has been hugely successful in the Dubbo electorate allowing local groups to undertake a wide range of projects,” Mr Saunders said. “We’ve seen new food trailers for Orana Support Service and BaptistCare, security upgrades for Mudgee PCYC to go 24/7, and maintenance equipment to help local sporting clubs – just to name a few! “This investment by the NSW Government is about

The NSW Government is launching a Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to help the region’s tourism businesses transform their online marketing. Destination NSW has partnered with digital consultancy Tourism Tribe to offer the free program to accommodation providers, tour companies and visitor attractions Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program would provide customised digital health checks to ensure businesses optimise their websites, improve their online listings and grow their Facebook and Instagram channels. “This program ensures business operators have the social media know-how to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace

Family-owned farming businesses will benefit from new laws passed in Parliament this week that will see stamp duty exemptions extended on the transfer of primary production land to a company or other entity directed by a family member. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the move would help futureproof farms for generations to come. “Farmers are the backbone of bush communities and the State’s economy, and they have worked tirelessly to keep our supermarket shelves stocked despite every possible challenge thrown at them over the past few years,” Mr Toole said. “NSW is home to a

Businesses and motorists across the Dubbo electorate are set to benefit from $20 million in grants to establish Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) destination charging network. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed the co-funded grants, which will allow up to 3,500 EV chargers to be rolled out across regional NSW. “The NSW Government is determined to help local tourism providers by ensuring the Dubbo electorate has the charging stations needed to welcome EV-driving visitors,” Mr Saunders said. “The grants range from $2,000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers across regional NSW, and are part of a $171

The NSW Government has launched a new Aboriginal Ranger Program designed to enhance Aboriginal peoples’ connection to country and provide meaningful career pathways. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the $5.95 million program will create genuine employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities across NSW. “This is an exciting new initiative that will not only develop skills and experience for those involved, but also increase the inclusion of traditional land management practices in on-ground projects and programs across the State,” Mr Saunders said. “These Rangers will help engage local communities in landscape management and will