All regions

Regional communities across NSW are set to benefit from an enhanced emergency response and investment, as the NSW Government bases NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) multi-purposed firefighting helicopters at three key regional locations and officially turns the first sod for the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders was joined by Premier Dominic Perrottet, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers to inspect the new base for one of the three helicopters at Dubbo Airport and turn the first sod at the RFS Training Academy. […]

Families and friends will be reunited as Aussies start arriving home in time for Christmas, with NSW reaching the November 1 roadmap milestone and restrictions further eased for the double-vaccinated. From today, fully vaccinated residents can travel for holidays and recreation between Greater Sydney and regional NSW, bookings for hospitality venues are no longer capped and fully vaccinated travellers from overseas can enter NSW without having to quarantine, subject to Commonwealth border restrictions. Premier Dominic Perrottet said November could not start in a more positive way with families and friends reuniting after so long apart. “Today is a day many

As travel opens up across the entire state, Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders says he’s delighted Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole have made Dubbo their first stop. “We have some amazing tourism offerings in this region, so it’s great to showcase the opportunities as travel opens up,” Mr Saunders said. “Many businesses, including in the tourism and hospitality sectors, have faced an extremely difficult time since our COVID-19 outbreak began in August. “With over 970 cases in Dubbo, and over 1600 cases in the region, we’ve been one of the hardest hit areas of NSW,

Local fishing enthusiasts have plenty of reason to smile with applications open for not one but two grant programs to improve fish habitat and promote their sport. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Recreational Fishing Trust and Habitat Action grants are a fantastic opportunity to improve recreational fishing. “From the Windamere and Burrendong Dams by boat, to the banks of the mighty Macquarie River, our region is home to some of the best places in the country to wet a line,” Mr Saunders said. “Now’s the chance to make them even better!” The Habitat Action Grants program

As NSW emerges from lockdown, PCYC NSW is helping Learner Drivers to get back on track to obtain their Provisional Licenses. As a leading provider of Transport for NSW’s Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers, PCYC is offering a $100 discount, until the end of the year. This means families will only need to pay $40 for the course, instead of the usual full fee of $140. PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle, said the organisation is proud of its ability to provide the Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers in many of its 65 club locations to help young drivers

The Centre for Work Health and Safety is calling on inventors, researchers and developers of innovative tools and technology to come forward with their ideas on improving safety in NSW workplaces. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the $500,000 funding will be awarded to one or more ideas that have commercial potential. “We’re looking for people with ideas or products at any stage of development that could reduce existing harms in workplaces, but who need help to take them from a prototype to the market,” Mr Saunders said. “This is a great opportunity for aspiring or established inventors

Three schools in the Dubbo electorate are taking part in an innovative pilot to increase their use of renewable energy. The first stage of the Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project will see batteries and solar PV systems installed in 25 schools across NSW to generate and store renewable electricity, and reduce power bills and demand on the electricity network. The installation of batteries will also provide additional electrical capacity. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about sustainability. “It’s great news that Gulgong Public School, Stuart Town Public School,

A program dedicated to supporting small, volunteer-run museums will receive a much-needed boost thanks to the NSW Government’s investment in Orana Arts. The NSW Government has committed $200,000 in core operational funds to each Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) in 2021/22 – up from $168,000 the previous financial year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the additional $32,000 will help Orana Arts adapt to a post-COVID world, and invest in its Volunteers. Artists. Museums. Program. “Every town has a story to tell, and in many regional areas that story is only told thanks to our passionate volunteers,” Mr

Applications for funding for 2022 NSW Women’s Week events are now open, with local councils and not-for-profits encouraged to apply. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $100,000 is available for local organisations seeking to host community, education, and mentoring opportunities for women and girls between 7 to 13 March, 2022. “This week is about recognising women from the Dubbo electorate, and celebrating their diverse contributions,” Mr Saunders said. “We are looking for events that not only bring women and girls together in a COVID-safe setting, but also provide practical support to help women across the region.” Events should

Families and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate the state’s COVID recovery. The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes funding to stimulate economic activity with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed the package which includes a $250 boost for family holidays in 2022. “As life returns to normal the Government is looking to encourage people to get out and support the many local businesses who did it tough throughout the lockdown,” Mr Saunders said. “As