All regions

There are a number of key changes to the “Re-opening NSW Roadmap”, which will see fully vaccinated adults enjoying more freedoms from next Monday 11 October. WHERE AND HOW TO GET YOUR COVID-19 VACCINATION The changes to the 70% roadmap will allow: up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five) the cap lifted on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20) the cap increased for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50) Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities On the Monday after […]

With a difficult 2021 coming to a close, Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is calling for help to design his holiday greeting cards. Primary school children across the region are being asked to submit drawings, with the winner to take pride of place on the card, which is delivered to hundreds of people and organisations across NSW. Given the challenges of the year, which saw the state plunged into lockdown, Mr Saunders is keen for the children of the region to share drawings that show Christmas out of lockdown. “This year I want kids to show me what

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