All regions

New funding is available across the region for organisations providing critical grassroots support to the community in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Orana Support Service (OSS) has been successful, with $15,000 approved in the first round of the Empowering and Supporting Local Communities grants program. Orana Support Service has been providing significant help to the community during the pandemic, and Mr Saunders has called on other local grassroots organisations to apply for round two. “The team at OSS has done a great job during this trying time, and the collaboration with other […]

Local tradies are being invited to help brighten up the region’s schools, with a third round of the LED Lighting Upgrade program announced. More than 800 public schools across the state are set to benefit from the $157.8 million initiative, including a total of 19 across the Dubbo electorate. State MP Dugald Saunders welcomed the inclusion of Ballimore Public, Dubbo West, Dubbo School of Distance Education, Mian School, Yawarra Community School, and Gulgong Public schools. Each will have old, inefficient lights replaced with smart LED lights, benefiting the eyes and minds of students and staff – and school power bills.

Collaboration has been the key to stabilising the COVID-19 outbreak in western NSW, according to Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders. The situation looked dire on Friday the 13th (August), as the region’s health authorities forecast exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in the Dubbo region and some of our remote far-west communities. But the local emergency management committees sprang into action, combining state government agencies like police and health with local councils, Aboriginal Land Councils and other non-government organisations. The Australian Defence Force was also mobilised to help accelerate the vaccine rollout, with their entire program coordinated from the

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