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Up to 100 apprentices in Dubbo will trial the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card, boosting their budgets to help ease the cost of travel to education and training. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders fought for the card to be trialled in Dubbo and has now announced the region’s apprentices will be the first to access the pre-paid debit card. “As soon as we announced this initiative, I had multiple apprentices and students eagerly contact my office asking when applications open, so I went straight to the Minister to ask for

NSW Nationals Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of an Australian-first rebate for IVF or other assisted reproductive technology. The $80 million expansion of the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative will extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing and introduce a new $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment. Mr Saunders said the high costs of fertility treatment can add stress to those experiencing fertility issues. “This rebate will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment, reducing out-of-pocket costs to help families have a baby,” Mr Saunders said. “The

Local champions and young achievers in sport will be recognised as part of the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way Awards, with nominations now open. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Her Sport Her Way Awards celebrate and honour the achievements of women and organisations that are breaking down barriers for women’s sport in NSW. “The Her Sport Her Way Awards recognise the achievements of women and organisations in driving powerful change and leaving a legacy for the way women’s sport is played in NSW,” Mr Saunders said. “Women make such an incredible contribution to sporting clubs

Locals considering a career as a nurse or midwife are being encouraged to choose a rewarding career with NSW Health, and there’s support available through cadetship and scholarship programs this year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said applications are now open for NSW Health’s Enrolled Nurse Scholarships, Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program and Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships. The programs are available across the state, not just for recent school leavers, but everyone considering a career change. Mr Saunders said the cadetships and scholarships will provide professional and financial support to those interested in taking on these

Businesses across the region could benefit from round three of the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund, which aims to enhance job opportunities, boost staff retention, and grow and diversify business in regional NSW. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Expressions of Interest (EOI) will open on Friday, 13 January for applications that attract investment through co-funded projects and initiatives to support economic growth, productivity, and diversity across the region. “Businesses across the electorate contribute a huge amount to our economy and the Regional Job Creation Fund continues to support regional business by co-funding projects that drive investment,

Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Squads across the Dubbo electorate will soon have access to seamless communications in any location, at any time, thanks to a $4.7 million investment by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the squads based at Dubbo, Gulgong, Mendooran, Mudgee, Narromine, and the state headquarters at Dubbo will receive a total of nine new units fitted in vehicles, and 38 new hand-held radios. “Whether it’s responding to major flooding, car crashes in remote locations or any number of other emergency situations, this technology will mean our VRA volunteers have access to radio

Seniors who make the Dubbo electorate a great place to live can be recognised for their efforts, with NSW State MP Dugald Saunders urging locals to nominate them for the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Nominations are now open for the awards program which celebrates the work and achievements of seniors in the community. “Seniors are invaluable to our communities as volunteers, carers and role models – even more so during such a challenging year,” Mr Saunders said. “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate

With Christmas just around the corner and a puppy or kitten high on the wish list for many, a new campaign has been launched to help buyers avoid scams this holiday season. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the online campaign will help families avoid traps and feel confident in choosing a responsible breeder.  “A bit of research and asking a few simple questions can go a long way to protect you and your new furry friend,” Mr Saunders said. “This campaign is all about arming people with the right tools to identify any potential risks and stop scammers from

The NSW Government has today released its plan to roll out electronic identification (eID) for the State’s $1.5 billion farmed sheep and goat industries. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the plan has been developed hand-in-hand with industry, ensuring a timeline that works for each sector. “Biosecurity is a top priority for the NSW Government, and a mandatory electronic identification system for sheep and goats will be a critical part of delivering the animal traceability we need to respond quickly and effectively if we ever see an incursion of an emergency animal disease,” Mr Saunders said. “This timeline