Wellington

Road users in the region are being encouraged to lead the way by driving so others survive, during National Road Safety Week. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders saidcountry people make up a third of NSW’s population, but last year deaths on country roads made up more than two-thirds of our road toll. “These aren’t just numbers. They are all real people with real lives and families,” he said. “This week is a time for reflection, but we also want everyone on our roads to think about how their choices behind the wheel impact on others and think about […]

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed today’s announcement that the NSW Government will provide $50 million for households, local businesses and farmers to combat the mice plague currently impacting regional NSW. Mr Saunders said his electorate, stretching from Trangie in the west to Mudgee in the east, has done it tough off the back of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and this mice plague is devastating communities who are already suffering. “I have received a lot of feedback from communities that we needed to act on this mice plague so I am pleased to announce the NSW

Funding applications are now open to build new and improved inclusive play spaces, with $5 million available for communities across NSW. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government has expanded the successful $15 million Everyone Can Play program to ensure more people can enjoy improved public parks. “We’re committed to creating play spaces everyone can enjoy,” Mr Saunders said. “I encourage Dubbo Regional, Narromine Shire and Mid-Western Regional Councils to apply for projects to build or improve play spaces in our local area, so they are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. “The new

Just three months after applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card opened for 2021, the popular initiative has had more than 7000 applications across the electorate, putting more than $1.75 million into the pockets of senior residents. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said it is fantastic to see the keen response to year two of the trial of the $250 pre-paid Visa card, which benefited more than 337,500 seniors across regional NSW in 2020. “The Regional Seniors Travel Card was a commitment we made before the 2019 NSW election, and I’m proud to say it’s one we have

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed the release of the NSW Government’s first ever housing strategy for the State, which outlines a 20-year vision for better housing across NSW. Mr Saunders said the Housing 2041 strategy and an initial two-year action plan will deliver improved outcomes immediately, and into the future, by focusing on housing supply, diversity, affordability and resilience. “It’s no secret that housing, both government and private, is in short supply in all parts of our region, but this strategy will allow us to better plan and deliver housing that meets the needs of people

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging councils and community organisations requiring funding for major projects to apply for the latest round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF). Round four of the popular program is now open, with $100 million available for community amenity and sports related infrastructure projects. Half of the funding will be for projects that enhance female participation in sport, including change rooms. “The Stronger Country Communities Fund does exactly what the name suggests, and that is provide essential infrastructure for regional towns and cities,” Mr Saunders said. “It is a $100 million investment

Veterans groups and councils across the region are being encouraged to apply for grants for conservation work on local war memorials. Member for the Dubbo electorate said grants of up to $10,000 are available with applications opening for the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund. “Each time you visit your local war memorial, I encourage you to consider how it could be protected, repaired or conserved for future generations,” Mr Saunders said. “Our region is so proud of those who served to make our country the wonderful place it is today. We saw at ANZAC Day commemorations on Sunday how

The NSW Government is providing $1.5 million to assist apprentices through the annual Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program, Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has announced. A total of 100 scholarships worth $15,000 each will support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship and demonstrate a commitment to a career in vocational education and training. Mr Saunders said the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship program offers a great incentive for apprentices to kick-start their career, with four locals successful as part of the program last year. “Apprenticeships are vital to ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers in