Dubbo

Students in Dubbo will be the first to benefit from the record-breaking investment in regional digital education when they return to school this week. The upgrade is the first rollout of the NSW Government’s $365.8 million Rural Access Gap investment, providing rural and regional schools access to the future of digital technology. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she wants to see all students have access to thesame educational facilities and opportunities no matter where they live. “I want every student learning at our schools in regional NSW to enjoy the same opportunities as their metro peers,” Ms Mitchell said.

As students and educators return for the 2021 school year, a $120 million program aimed at providing certainty in the preschool sector has commenced. The free preschool program was initially introduced in mid-2020 as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response package, however with continuing uncertainty relating to the pandemic it was announced in November’s state budget that it would continue in 2021. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders and Minister for Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell visited Dubbo and District Preschool on Thursday to hear how the program has helped, and will continue to help, local families. “There

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has congratulated those in the region who were presented Australia Day awards. Mr Saunders attended events in Dubbo and Wellington and while this year’s celebrations were different to normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the recognition of community-minded people showed what makes Australia such a great place to live. “Everyone who was given an Australia Day award received it because they have given so much of themselves to their communities,” Mr Saunders said. “We’ve seen during the pandemic that we have amazing resilience in our part of the world but that

Sporting groups in our region will be able to apply for funding for new or improved women’s change rooms and amenities, thanks to new funding committed under the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $50 million will be available for women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms, under the $100 million Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with applications to open in May 2021. Mr Saunders said a lack of quality facilities can be a barrier for women interested in playing community sport and this funding will deliver the facilities

Seniors living in the Dubbo electorate will continue to benefit from the regional seniors travel card, with applications for this year’s card now open. The regional seniors travel card, which was issued to more than 8400 people* in the Dubbo, Narromine and Mid-Western local government areas last year, is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he is looking forward to the second year of the two-year trial following a successful first 12 months,

Women across NSW will be able to access community, educational or mentoring events during Women’s Week 2021 thanks to a $100,000 grants program from the NSW Government.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has urged community organisations and local councils to apply for a share of the funding to host events between 8-14 March this year. “The return of this popular program will enable and empower organisations in Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Wellington, Gulgong, Mudgee and surrounding towns to hold virtual or COVID-safe face-to-face events to help the community connect and celebrate the diverse contributions of local women,” he said. “We

Parents and carers of children in Kindergarten, and Year 1,2 and 7 can enter school grounds on the first day of the new school year, as part of the updated return-to-school guidelines.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the first day of school is incredibly important, especially for those children starting Kindergarten. “The first day of school is incredibly exciting for students and parents, I am thrilled the NSW Government has been able to work with the community and NSW Health to deliver a result that means parents and carers can be part of this important day,” he