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Small businesses hit hard by COVID-19 in the Dubbo electorate have more time to submit applications for the Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses, Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said. The closing date has been extended until June 30, to allow more businesses access grants of up to $10,000 to help cover costs including utilities, rates and supplier costs. Mr Saunders said over 40,000 small businesses had already applied for the grants. “I want to encourage all small businesses in the Dubbo Electorate to apply for a grant,” he said “The Dubbo Westview […]

TAFE NSW teachers are continuing to skill the workforce of the future by delivering courses to students using connected delivery methods during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders. Mr Saunders recently visited Dubbo’s Myall Street and Narromine Road campuses to see first-hand how teachers are using innovative ways to connect with students during COVID-19. He said teachers across a whole range of courses – from business and hospitality to light and heavy vehicles – were “doing some amazing things with virtual learning”. “TAFE is doing what it always does and that is delivering real

Four-ball competitions will resume at the Dubbo Golf Club tomorrow (Saturday 16 May) as today’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions brings the return of community sport one step closer. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted, meaning golfers can now move around the course in groups of four – rather than pairs – for the first time since COVID-19 restriction began. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders visited the club for Ladies Day on Thursday, to hear from members how the outdoor activity has benefited their mental health during the pandemic. “Being out and about with other

Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) releasing the timetable for the 2020 Higher School Certificate today. NESA has unveiled an amended timetable for the Year 12 exams, with written exams set to commence on October 20 – five days later than originally planned. Oral language exams will start on August 15. NESA experienced a sharp rise in web traffic on Friday, with users experiencing some delays in accessing the timetable. Mr Saunders said it showed students and teachers were keen for certainty around HSC exams, and the NSW Government had delivered.

Today Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed that pubs and clubs would be permitted to open as restaurants from Friday, 15 May, after the Government consulted broadly with industry. I’m 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 the coming weeks and months in line with health advice. Thank you to all

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