Mudgee & Gulgong

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed calls from NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall for the removal of restrictions on agricultural workers crossing the NSW/Victoria border. The call comes ahead of a meeting of National Cabinet on Friday, where an Agricultural Workers Code will be presented and considered. Mr Saunders said with harvest season fast approaching, NSW farmers needed access to an adequate workforce. “With many farmers in regional NSW preparing for the harvest season ahead, it’s important our farmers have the workforce they need to get the harvest done,” he said. “Our […]

Local sports clubs and associations are set to receive a funding boost to assist with ongoing participation in sport and active recreation in the region, with applications now open for the Local Sport Grant Program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said applicants can access funding for a range of projects including sport access initiatives and facility upgrades, with up to $50,000 available for projects in every electorate across NSW. “At a time when the sector is navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, the Local Sport Grant Program will provide a significant boost to the people of our region

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has encouraged eligible agencies to apply for the annual Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants, which are now open. The $1.4 million grant program supports the skills development of Aboriginal people through the creation of training and employment opportunities. “This important initiative makes a range of grants available from a one-off $10,000 payment all the way up to $40,000 for both permanent and temporary roles,” Mr Saunders said. “The grants also support entry level jobs through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.” Applicants need to visit www.elsadixon.smartygrants.com.au to complete the application. The 2020/21 Grant applications are

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the announcement of the NSW Government’s new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy. The policy was announced on Friday by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Finance Minister Damien Tudehope, and will ensure government agencies need to first consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000. With regional areas being victims of drought, COVID-19 and in some cases bushfires, Mr Saunders has lobbied hard to see the policy introduced and said he is committed to ensuring the NSW

Domestic and family violence services in the region that are experiencing increased demand as a result of COVID-19 can now apply for a share of $9 million in funding. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program aimed to ensure more victim-survivors can access services at this crucial time. “Many domestic violence services have moved quickly to innovate and adapt their supports during the pandemic – when women and children may have struggled to access help,” Mr Saunders said. “A safe home is something many of us take for granted, but

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging people across the region to ‘Thank A Tradie’ during National Skills Week. Mr Saunders said the annual week celebrates the talents, skills and contributions of tradespeople educated in the NSW vocational system. It’s the perfect time to acknowledge the continued hard work and commitment of local tradies who are the backbone of our communities. “Many of our tradies are out in the community delivering important services during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Tradespeople work on projects ranging from electrical repairs in the family home to major infrastructure projects. They gain

Farmers seeking workers and contractors for harvest now have access to the dedicated online resource, ‘Help Harvest NSW’, which will help them contact and arrange workers ahead of what is expected to be the best harvest in many years. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed today’s launch of the website by the NSW Government, and said the one-stop portal would connect prospective employers with workers as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan. “Farmers across the central west are poised to reap their biggest harvest since the drought began many years ago, so it is critical they

Regional communities across the State are set to benefit from the first round of the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging Dubbo Regional Council, Narromine Shire Council and Mid-Western Regional Council to apply for funding to replace priority bridges. “We went to the 2019 State Election committed to replacing hundreds of ageing timber bridges across regional NSW and better connecting countless small communities in the bush,” Mr Saunders said. “That’s why I’m encouraging the three councils in the Dubbo electorate to nominate eligible timber bridges for replacement. “The first

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has sought to provide an update on community sport during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, updated advice was released to clarify concerns that arose after the release of an update from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant earlier in the week. “The updated advice says that in regional NSW, existing competition structures or scheduling should aim to minimise the need for overnight travel,” Mr Saunders said. “As a result, existing competitions within our region such as rugby union, rugby league, soccer, AFL, netball and so on can continue as they have been.