All regions

Tradies across the Dubbo electorate will now have greater protections to ensure they are paid on time and in full, following the introduction of new laws by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said changes to the Security of Payments Act will deliver faster payouts for contractors and subcontractors and quicker and fairer dispute resolution. “These reforms will raise the level of protection for local tradies and subbies so they know they’ll be paid the money they are owed on time,” Mr Saunders said. “At a time when many small building businesses are doing it extremely […]

Tourism businesses across the Dubbo Electorate can now register for a series of free online industry events to hear expert advice about the domestic market, how to sell bookable products online and how to work with different distribution partners. The events, which include webinars and digital training, are hosted by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and are free for businesses to participate. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said businesses and the region would benefit from this industry-focused advice. “This is free, expert advice for tourism businesses that will help our community to attract

Today the NSW Government has taken the difficult but proactive decision to tighten restrictions in NSW (see the Government’s full media release below). We understand that this will be disappointing for many but the reality is that once COVID-19 gets into the community it moves very quickly. We must contain this virus and it is indoor activities that pose the greatest risk. It’s absolutely crucial that everyone does their bit to help stop this virus in its tracks. All of us need to take some personal responsibility and do the right things. We know what those things are: stay home

Domestic violence victim-survivors across the Dubbo electorate will have more vital help available during the COVID-19 pandemic, with four local services receiving more funding as part of the NSW and Federal Governments’ recent $21 million investment. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said specialist support services will receive a funding boost of more than $320,000 for: Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service Mid-Western Homelessness and Housing Support Service Staying Home Leaving Violence Dubbo; and Dubbo Emergency Accommodation Project. “The pandemic has caused unprecedented stress on families, and as such has increased the potential for domestic abuse in homes, so

Motorists in our region are saving up to $500 a year on the cost of fuel by joining the one million people in NSW who have now downloaded the NSW Government’s free FuelCheck app. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the app provides motorists with real-time information on petrol prices for all fuel types and service stations across NSW. “We know that every dollar counts at the moment – which is why every driver should have the FuelCheck app downloaded to their smart phone,” Mr Saunders said. “The app stops the guessing game by giving motorists real-time prices

More families will have access to preschool thanks to a new round of funding creating additional places in preschools for children on waitlists. The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to increase access to preschool for communities across the state with another round of Start Strong Capital Works Grants for community preschools. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he understands that preschool is incredibly important to a child’s development and their performance later in their schooling. “Not only are we helping cater to growing demand for more places in preschools with these grants, we’re also supporting jobs in

Businesses are encouraged to sign up for a free-of-charge webinar to learn about NSW Government support for workers and their employers, with a focus on insurance, workers compensation and workplace relations. Funded by the NSW Government, the NSW Small Business COVID-19 Information Webinar – Business Support and Wellbeing is targeted at business owners and will launch on Thursday, 25 June. The event will be facilitated by Small Business Commission speakers and will include representatives from the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), NSW Office of Industrial Relations and icare. The webinar will cover topics such as:  Understanding health and wellbeing; the

It is great to see reforms announced today that will allow for a fairer and more transparent process when people leave retirement villages. I received a lot of correspondence from residents across the electorate in relation to this issue, and I spoke with Minister Anderson on a number of occasions to convey what I was being told by residents who live in our local villages. The reforms remove a lot of the financial and mental burden from residents. They will receive what they are entitled to in a quicker and more streamlined process, and that is exactly the way it

The Western Cancer Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality, after the first concrete was poured at the site of the $35 million facility at Dubbo Hospital. The first pour focused on the ‘bunker’ for radiation therapy services, which is a first for the Dubbo region. The bunker walls will be up to 2.3 metres thick and will be home to the linear accelerator machine that is used to administer radiation treatment to patients. This milestone follows demolition of the old Dialysis Unit and Operating Theatres which commenced in February this year; both of which have moved into

The Central-West of NSW is set for a jobs and investment bonanza, following massive interest in the State’s first Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and a further $31.6 million of funding from the NSW Government. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government had received 113 registrations of interest, totalling 27 gigawatts and valued at $38 billion, looking to connect to the 3 gigawatt REZ in the Central West and Orana regions of NSW. “With our local communities doing it tough from drought and now the COVID-19 pandemic, this phenomenal response shows the massive opportunity REZs can create with jobs, investment