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Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in my Cafe and Restaurant survey. I have written to the Premier Gladys Berejiklian to pass on the feedback I received from my constituents, including around cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs. I am really grateful to the Premier, Deputy Premier and the leadership team for recognising the needs of regional businesses. These changes will make such a difference to some of our smaller rural communities, as well as larger establishments that can see a way to operate under these new conditions. I look forward to seeing restrictions relax more over […]

Throughout May, trucks carrying a total of 574 tonnes of hay will be rolling into Gollan to help drought affected farmers, thanks to a $137,000 NSW Government Donated Fodder Transport subsidy. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this was part of a broad range of support available to assist farmers and their families. “Despite recent welcome rain, farmers across this region are still battling one of the worst droughts on record, so the NSW Government is doing what it can to support our farmers and regional communities,” Mr Saunders said. “This includes the Donated Fodder Transport subsidy, which

A trio of businesses from the Dubbo electorate have answered the NSW Government’s call for locals to fill the medical supply chain, helping stabilise stocks of hand sanitiser urgently needed in the fight against COVID-19.    Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Baker Williams Distillery and Indigiearth from Mudgee, along with Native Secrets in Dubbo, had each shifted their usual business, with the aim of helping the response to the pandemic. “I’m so proud these local businesses have acted quickly to change their focus to make products that protect members of our community in this time of urgent

The 2020 commemoration of ANZAC Day may have been different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however that is even more reason for communities to ensure their war memorials are in great condition. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging communities across the region to apply for funding grants of up to $10,000 to restore and protect war memorials. Mr Saunders said the Community War Memorials Fund grants will help protect, conserve and repair war memorials. “Funds can be requested for specialist heritage advice or physical conservation work on halls, honour rolls, avenues of trees and stone monuments,” he

Communities in the Dubbo Electorate will benefit from a share of $9 million to upgrade four of the region’s courthouses. Narromine, Wellington and Dubbo, which have been hit by drought as well as COVID-19, as well as Mudgee, which also felt the impact of the summer bushfires, will all receive an economic boost as courthouse upgrades are fast-tracked, Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Sanders said. “The NSW Government is accelerating tender and planning approval processes and is committed to prioritising local companies and suppliers where possible,” Mr Saunders said. “It means tradies will be on the tools in record

Kids in the Dubbo Electorate will be able to redeem their $100 Creative Kids vouchers and stay connected to creative learning activities during COVID-19. The program will be expanded to allow Creative Kids vouchers to be used for online programs and educational materials, while $1 million in funding will help program providers make the digital transition. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said the Government is doing everything it can to keep kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities, despite the impact of COVID-19. “The changes we’re announcing today mean that no matter where children are in NSW,

Up to 200,000 licence holders operating across the trades and construction sectors will not have to pay up to $50 million worth of licence fees, thanks to the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the licence fee waivers are a crucial part of the NSW Government’s first economic stimulus package.  “These fee waivers will deliver much-needed relief for small businesses, at a time when cash flow is crucial,” Mr Saunders said. “Up to 200,000 licence holders will benefit from this fee relief package over the next 12 months. It is the least we can do to

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during these times. “TAFE NSW has been a reliable educational institution for more than 130 years supporting communities all across NSW. These fee-free courses will be put to good use in our region during this challenging time,” he