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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

Primary producers in the Dubbo electorate can apply for assistance to drought-proof their properties, with the much-anticipated second round of the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) Scheme now open. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said EWIR enabled eligible primary producers to access a 25 per cent rebate, up to $25,000, on new purchases and installation costs of new water infrastructure such as bores, dams and pipes. “This scheme was immensely popular the first time around and I can’t wait to see local farmers make the most of it to help drought-proof their properties,” Mr Saunders said. “The NSW

Residents and visitors alike will benefit from a boost to the much-loved Putta Bucca Wetlands, thanks to a government grant. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced Mid-Western Regional Council has received $859,700 from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program, which is jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. “The Putta Bucca Wetlands are a wonderful natural asset in the Mudgee region, but one that has not really been tapped into as much as it could be – until now,” Mr Saunders said. “The project will provide community and tourism infrastructure including picnic shelters, a boardwalk,

Important conversations about the Macquarie Marshes will be amplified, with a Dubbo artist receiving $16,730 from the NSW Government for an innovative project. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said artist Kim V. Goldsmith received funding from the Arts and Cultural Funding Program to finalise Mosses + Marshes in Conversation. “Kim uses digital mediums and sensory elements to explore our response to, and interaction with, natural environments,” Mr Saunders said. “Her most recent project has seen her documenting the internationally-significant Macquarie Marshes, using some very innovative techniques to capture the ‘voice’ of the landscape.” Ms Goldsmith is involved in

Frontline domestic violence services in the Dubbo electorate will be awarded $600,000 in additional funding to ensure victim-survivors can access crucial help in their community. Member for Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders today announced the local recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program supported by funding from the Federal Government. Three local services will share $600,000 in funding: Connecting Community Services – refurbishment of owned cottage to cater for families and construct an accessible bathroom Orana Support Services – acquisition of three two-bedroom units Housing Plus – refurbishment of Western Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

Audiences across the Dubbo electorate will have no shortage of entertainment with ten touring projects receiving funding through the NSW Government’s 2021 Regional Arts Touring round. There’s something for audiences of all ages and to suit a broad range of interests, including a play based on the award-winning children’s book Guess How much I Love You, and the return of Erth’s breathtaking puppets in Prehistoric World: 2022 Regional Tour. “Art plays such an important role in helping us to express who we are, as well some much-needed escapism during these tumultuous times,” Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said.

The NSW Government has announced that applications are now open for the 2021 round of the Community Grants Program. Not-for-profit day care services, mobile preschools and community preschools in NSW are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support initiatives at their service. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the program is helping to promote educational access, and supporting increased participation for Aboriginal children and children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. “The NSW Government is supporting early childhood services to identify areas where they can empower communities and provide them with the support to improve services.

I want to commend and thank everyone across the Dubbo region who has come forward to be tested for COVID-19 this morning. The Western NSW Local Health District has mobilised quickly to establish a drive-through clinic at the Dubbo Showground, and the scenes there this morning demonstrate that the Dubbo community is taking this situation seriously. Police are managing traffic but I would urge motorists to exercise caution when travelling past the showground, and avoid the area if possible. It is wonderful to see the people of the Dubbo community doing the responsible thing and getting tested. It has been