Mudgee & Gulgong

Transport for NSW is hiring a record number of new apprentices and trainees across regional NSW, giving local economies a much-needed boost. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Apprentice and Trainee Program was critical in building a skills legacy to meet future needs within the local community. Mr Saunders joined with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole on Wednesday to announce 75 placements this year as part of the program. “As we continue to invest in road and infrastructure projects and it’s important that we have people on the ground that have the skills in […]

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed a NSW Government plan to extend COVID-19 relief funding for community and mobile preschools through to the end of the 2020 school year. On Wednesday, NSW Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Sarah Mitchell said the continued funding recognises the importance of helping families keep children engaged in preschool education. Mr Saunders echoed those sentiments, saying it will take a strain off parents at a time when there is so much stress. “This announcement means that parents don’t have to worry about the financial burden of sending their children to preschool

A police operation designed to protect the livelihood of farmers has been discussed during a trip to Dubbo by NSW Police Minister David Elliott. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined Mr Elliott and NSW Police Force State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside, at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Market to receive an update on Operation Stock Check. The high-visibility operation is designed to disrupt the movement of stolen stock in regional NSW. “Farmers face many challenges every day, and making sure they don’t become victims of crime is one way we can help to protect them,” Mr

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed seven new police officers who have joined the ranks of the Orana Mid-Western Police District. The probationary constables attested at a private ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy last Friday, and had an initiation at Dubbo Police Station on Monday before officially hitting the beat on Tuesday. Four will be stationed in Dubbo, with the other officers to be based at Warren, Gilgandra and Coonamble. Mr Saunders welcomed the recruits to the region, after more than eight months of world-class training at the academy. “Our new police officers are a much

Drivers travelling in the Dubbo electorate are being urged to slow down this Rural Road Safety Month, with more than two-thirds of the lives lost on NSW roads occurring in the country. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said preliminary figures show nine people were killed or injured in crashes on the electorate’s roads in 2019, while 57 were killed and 362 seriously injured in the five years from 2014/15 to 2018/19. “Every one of these deaths and serious injuries has had a devastating impact on families, friends and communities,” Mr Saunders said. “As a broadcaster I spent years

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is urging residents of the region to pause and reflect on Australia’s efforts in the Second World War as we mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP DAY). August 15, 1945 was the official end of a war in which nearly one million Australians served in the armed forces. More than 39,000 Australians lost their lives, more than 23,000 were wounded, and more than 30,000 were taken prisoner of war. “This legacy is as strong in the Dubbo electorate today, as it was 75 years ago, when Victory in the

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on our lives in many ways, including school students who are heading towards the end of their secondary studies. The Year 12 cohorts at schools across the region are closing in on their Higher School Examination (HSC) exams, with trial exams happening now. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging students to use the NSW Government’s “Stay Healthy HSC” portal, which is aimed at providing helpful hints in the lead-up to a stressful time in their lives. “This current group of Year 12 students will have plenty of tales to tell down the

The NSW Government has confirmed its commitment to supporting NRL in the bush, with a first grade game destined for Tamworth later this month. Chairman of the NSW Government’s NRL Regional Taskforce Dugald Saunders said footy and regional NSW are a natural fit, and it’s great to see professional rugby league return to a regional area. “The NSW Government established the Regional Taskforce as a way of ensuring our regions get the exposure to first grade NRL they deserve, and today we’re partnering with the NRL to see the Knights and Warriors battle it out in Tamworth on August 29,”

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the appointment of Daryl Quinlivan to the role of NSW Agriculture Commissioner, labelling him a strong ally for farmers in the western region. Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced Mr Quinlivan’s appointment on Monday, and Mr Saunders said that the appointment is another election commitment fulfilled by the NSW Nationals in Government. “Farmers in the western region have today gained another formidable advocate and fighter in their corner,” Mr Saunders said. “The NSW Nationals in Government are determined to protect the right to farm, and the appointment of Daryl Quinlivan as