Mudgee & Gulgong

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has called on regional councils to play their part in solving the rental accommodation crisis engulfing regional NSW. Speaking at the Regional Development Australia Inland Growth Summit, held at Lazy River Estate in Dubbo, Mr Saunders outlined the NSW Government’s push to attract jobs and people to rural areas. “As a government we have already announced four hubs – Dubbo, Queanbeyan, Coffs Harbour and Armidale – for jobs with the Department of Regional NSW and the desire is for the vast majority of jobs with that department to be based in those regions,”

People who face roadblocks when it comes to obtaining a driver’s licence in will find it easier under the expansion of the NSW Government’s $20 million Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP). Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government is doubling its investment from the last DLAP round over the next five years to better support people who face barriers to get their learner and provisional driver licences. “In Dubbo we have Bamarra Pty Ltd involved in the program, while Birrang is involved in helping people in the Mudgee, Wellington, Narromine and Trangie communities,” Mr Saunders said.

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund, which is now open, saying it will provide a boost to the region. Mr Saunders said the NSW Nationals are creating a safer and stronger regional NSW by creating valuable jobs and boosting the local economy, while keeping people COVID safe. “This funding will help organisers put on events for our local community, as well as helping cover the cost of equipment needed to ensure events are COVIDSafe,” he said. “This is great news for places like Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine, Trangie and

Eligible businesses in the Dubbo electorate can now register to take part in the NSW Government’s major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW. The program will create an economic boost for local dining, arts and tourism businesses, which have been impacted by COVID-19, and encourage customers to get out and about safely. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders encouraged local businesses to register and get ready so they can hit the ground running when the program goes live. “We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses in our community. This program will help reinvigorate

Teachers in the Dubbo electorate will benefit from an additional five hours of professional development credit, recognising their extraordinary efforts to rapidly innovate so students could continue to learn last year despite the disruptions and challenges presented by Covid-19.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said all teachers maintaining accreditation will receive a one-off credit of five hours toward the 100 hours of professional development they are required to complete every five years.  “Last year our teachers went above and beyond to support their students. This required them to learn rapidly on the job so that they could continue

Large corporations and companies looking to relocate to the Dubbo electorate to take advantage of a better quality of life will be able to benefit from expert NSW Government advice about setting up shop in regional NSW. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has thrown his support behind a NSW Government concierge service to help companies develop business plans and provide practical advice about establishing jobs, offices and headquarters in regional towns and cities. “This is fantastic news for the people in our region, because we know that when big businesses look to relocate to our region, there will

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the NSW Government’s $43.5 million investment to support the State’s agricultural research through the world-class Food and Fibre Program. Mr Saunders said the funding will be a big boost to primary industries and in turn help our region’s primary producers grow their businesses. “Our agriculture industry is vital to the overall success of the NSW economy and advanced research and development underpins that,” he said. “This $43.5 million investment will ensure we continue to lead the way in research to boost primary industry productivity and protect our stock, crops and human

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed a NSW Government plan to make Vocational Education and Training courses available to Year 11 and 12 students in public schools from next year. Real estate, robotics and social media are just some of the 20 new courses to be made available, and in addition to existing face-to-face VET courses students will have the opportunity to study online courses that will give them in-demand skills for the workplaces. These courses will form part of their HSC and contribute to their ATAR. “These courses will help students build skills across emerging industries,

The NSW Government is giving the regional visitor economy a $3.5 million boost through programs to support the development of new attractions and infrastructure, to refresh existing products, and to secure or create new event opportunities. The programs will help businesses and regional communities recover from the impact of drought, floods, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs, enhancing the appeal of regional NSW, and improving the visitor experience. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this is a significant opportunity for new and established business owners in the region to be visitor-ready and create new business event