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After 400 pairs of hands on the job, 20,000 tonnes of asphalt laid, and more than 21,000 tonnes of material excavated, the Newell and Mitchell highways intersection upgrade has hit a major milestone, with traffic lights being switched on later this week. The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the $40 million upgrade to the four-lane intersection to improve road safety and improve efficiencies. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this is just one of 13 projects the Australian Government is funding along the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor, under […]

Some of the Dubbo electorate’s most disadvantaged young people will be supported to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said young people across the region have had to endure the effects of the pandemic and adapt to new learning environments. “The Youth Development Scholarship will help eliminate some of the barriers to higher education encountered by many individuals in our community, with scholarships available for students in Years 10, 11 and 12, or TAFE equivalent,” Mr Saunders said. “Applications are now open, and I encourage

Dubbo locals are invited to attend an information session next week to learn how they can be fast tracked into entry level jobs on the Regional Rail project. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said job seekers will be able to apply to join a pre-employment program designed to provide them with the necessary technical and employability skills training. “We need a workforce to help construct the purpose-built Mindyarra Maintenance centre in Dubbo to support the new NSW regional rail fleet, and there are many other employers in the region looking for people with training in basic construction skills,”

Community sport is back and the region’s clubs are being urged to apply now for funding to help players return with a bang. The NSW Government’s $4.6 million Local Sport Grants Program can help clubs remove barriers to participation, purchase equipment and improve facilities. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said now is the perfect time for clubs to think about equipment or upgrades they may need, with fully vaccinated players and spectators now able to get back on the field. “Sport has gotten us through some challenging times, providing a welcome distraction and bringing our communities together during

The local community is invited to have a say on accessibility upgrades at Dubbo Train Station. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the proposal includes a new kiss and ride zone, improved toilet facilities and upgraded accessible paths and ramps, to ensure the station meets the needs of customers now and into the future. “This $1.2 million upgrade will help make sure all our customers, including people with a disability, limited mobility, parents and carers with prams, and travellers with luggage can easily access the station,” Mr Saunders said. “I’m inviting the community to have a say on

I welcome the $200 million Regional Recovery Package we announced as a State Government today, which includes a new $50 million Regional Events Package, Round two of the $30 million Regional Jobs Creation Fund, and $40 million for priority infrastructure projects across Regional NSW. Regional NSW – especially our region – has been hit hard by the Delta outbreak, and this announcement demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to make sure regional areas bounce back better than ever before. We’re turbocharging the COVID-19 recovery across regional NSW. The new $25 million Community Events Package will help local councils stage events like

Students in the Dubbo electorate will have access to more opportunities and support than ever before, with schools this week learning they’ll share in more than $10 billion in state-wide needs-based funding in 2022. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has revealed the 34 public schools across the electorate will receive a combined $28 million in 2022 – a $1.2 million increase on the previous year. “This level of funding going to our schools mean students have the opportunities and support to reach their potential through a quality education,” Mr Saunders said. “This government is proud of its investment

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging young people hoping to make a difference in their community, to apply to join next year’s Regional Youth Taskforce, a Ministerial advisory group with a strong voice into government. Mr Saunders said the Taskforce provides young people aged between 12 and 24 with a unique opportunity to meet with government and inform decision making that will have flow-on benefits for their communities. “Being on the Taskforce is all about representing friends, classmates and family to champion local causes, and play a part in making decisions that will help drive change in

In a major boost to rail freight efficiency between Orange and Dubbo, work on the $12.98 million rail passing loop at Maryvale is now complete. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said following the completion of track work, testing was carried out to ensure safety for trains using the loop. “Not only will this loop, the rail equivalent of overtaking lanes, help rail freight efficiencies and passenger services by improving journey times, but the project has also supported up to 100 jobs at the peak of construction,” Mr Saunders said. “With the regional freight task in NSW set to

After the worst drought in living memory, our region is now set for its second bumper harvest in as many years. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border closures have made life difficult for our farmers – especially those who rely on interstate or overseas workers to harvest their crops. I’m delighted the NSW Government is able lend a hand, by giving all 4,500 staff from the Department of Regional NSW – including Local and Services and DPI – access to five days’ special leave to help our farmers. Nearly 80 percent of staff from the DRNSW live and work