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Residents in the Dubbo Electorate are being urged to get vaccinated to ensure they’re not left behind when NSW unlocks newfound freedoms after we pass the 70 per cent double vaccination target. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is today reminding residents that stay-at-home orders will only be lifted for fully vaccinated people under the NSW Government’s COVID roadmap to recovery. “I know we were hoping to be out of lockdown by now, but I want to assure everyone in the Dubbo electorate that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Saunders said. “Under our roadmap […]

A first-of-its kind strategy will help ensure the region is ready for the water challenges of the future, according to Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders. The NSW Government recently launched the NSW Water Strategy, which will guide water management to 2040, looking at new technologies including recycled water and storm water harvesting, to diversify supply and deliver resilient and sustainable water resources across the state. “Burrendong Dam is over 101% capacity, which is fantastic, but in the bush we know firsthand how vital it is to prepare for both droughts and floods,” Mr Saunders said. “That’s only going

Nominations for the NSW Blue Plaques Program are open, and members of the public are invited to nominate local places and personalities that deserve to have their heritage value recognised. The NSW Blue Plaques Program, modelled on a similar initiative in the United Kingdom, will showcase key heritage sites. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said across our region there are many hidden gems with stories that deserve to be told. “I am asking everyone to think of the places in their community that have an important story attached to them, and submit those suggestions to my office to

To mark Foster and Kinship Care Week, people are being encouraged to shine a light on the life-changing contribution carers make by nominating them for a Carer Recognition Award. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said foster carers open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children, providing vital stability, support and care. “This week has been a great opportunity to celebrate foster and kinship carers, and to recognise the enormous contribution they make to the community,” Mr Saunders said. “During what’s been a really challenging time for our community, foster cares have stepped up and taken on more than

Groups in the Dubbo electorate are being encouraged to apply for $2,000 grants for projects supporting local veterans or boosting awareness of their role throughout Australia’s military history. Applications are now open for the Anzac Community Grants Program, and Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders is urging locals with an idea for a project to apply. “Veterans past and present served to keep us safe, and this is a great chance to recognise their sacrifices, while enriching our communities,” Mr Saunders said. “We’re seeking projects that not only recognise the important service of our veterans, but also educate future

The search is on for the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is calling for nominations to recognise the significant contributions women make to communities in our region. “We all know a woman who is the first to roll up her sleeves to help others, has demonstrated incredible potential or has made lasting change in her chosen field,” Mr Saunders said. “Let’s not keep their achievements a secret, I urge everyone to put forward the inspirational woman in their

Clubs and councils across the Dubbo electorate are urged to ‘be in it to win it’ with applications now open for the NSW Government’s sports infrastructure fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said funding is available for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the $100 million Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund. “Sport and exercise are vital for all of our physical and mental wellbeing, and that fact is only more apparent now when we can’t take part in our usual activities,” Mr Saunders said. “Whether it’s the kids’ footy or netball on a

When COVID-19 locked down NSW in 2020, TAFE educators did what they do best – coming up with innovative ways to train the skilled workforce of the future. Now the lessons they learned will benefit students for years to come with the installation of contemporary, digitally-enabled virtual teaching and learning spaces at campuses across NSW. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Connected Learning Points (CLPs) will be rolled out to campuses in Dubbo, Dunedoo, Mudgee, and Wellington, in what is a “major win for local students”. “This initiative will enhance access to training, allowing more students to live

Producers across the state’s west will continue to benefit from a subsidy that halves the quarantine costs of overseas agricultural workers after the NSW Government extended the program into the 2021/22 financial year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the initiative would significantly reduce costs in an industry that often relied on overseas workers. “This is fantastic news and a fantastic initiative from the NSW Government and I know our primary producers will welcome its extension,” Mr Saunders said. “Our farmers have been hit hard by a COVID-induced worker shortage, with many of them relying on seasonal and