Wellington

“For the past couple of months I have been advocating for a loosening of restrictions relating to COVID-19, particularly when it comes to regional parts of the state. “The past few months have been tough but the good work everyone has done in abiding by the restrictions and helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 in NSW is being rewarded today. “So many people have had to miss out on so much since the outbreak of the pandemic, whether that be watching kids play sport or engage in music, having guests on the dancefloor at a wedding, attending school excursions […]

Our region has some great waterways that are ideal places for recreational fishing, and thanks to the rain we’ve had over the past few months there is plenty of water and conditions are great. The $20 million announced by Minister Marshall will be used for projects that improve and promote recreational fishing, so I am putting the call out for our region’s keen anglers to put in their applications for any ideas they have in mind which will build great new facilities, improve a fishing habitat, or put more into research. Fishers pay their licence fees and every single cent

On a number of occasions over the past few weeks I have gone on the record urging common sense to prevail when it comes to allowing agriculture workers to be allowed to cross borders in a COVID-safe manner. As a result I welcome today’s announcement from the Premier, Acting Deputy Premier and Agriculture Minister that NSW has written the new Agricultural Workers Code into public health orders. Farmers can now access the labour resources required to help them get a crop out of the paddock in a harvest that promises to be the best for at least half a decade

The NSW Government is calling on all NSW residents to be a COVID safe tourist in their own backyard and support local businesses by booking tours and visiting attractions. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the region is the ideal place for a COVID safe holiday, and encouraged travellers to show their support for businesses in the area. “With school holidays coming up and weather improving, there is so much to do in places like Mudgee, Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine, and I invite holidaymakers to enjoy our local highlights, attractions and hospitality in a COVID safe way,” he

Community organisations in the region impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for funding through the next round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, which opens today.  Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the economic impacts of COVID-19 have meant some communities have struggled to maintain sports, cultural and other social activities. “Community sporting and cultural organisations are the lifeblood for many communities and this funding can be used for projects that foster equity, social inclusion and participation,” Mr Saunders said. “We want these organisations to not just keep their doors open but to grow and prosper.   “Clubgrants funding

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging locals looking for the opportunity to reskill for the jobs of the future to investigate the NSW Government’s Skilling for Recovery initiative. Mr Saunders said the NSW Government has committed $159.3 million to match the Federal Government’s JobTrainer funding, which will be a key component to the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. “This initiative is an excellent opportunity for people in the Dubbo electorate to upskill or reskill, and for school leavers to enter the workforce for the first time,” Mr Saunders said. “Our community is battling through COVID-19 like the rest

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has called on the community to nominate inspiring local women for the 2021 NSW Women of the Year Awards. The awards, which were launched by Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor on 13 August 2020, also include two new categories, One to Watch and NSW Woman of Excellence, which respectively recognise young rising stars and women who are exceptional role models. Mr Saunders said the awards celebrate women from all walks of life. “I encourage everyone in the Dubbo electorate to nominate a remarkable woman or a young person they know so we can

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is calling for all residents to join their local volunteers for Get Ready Weekend to prepare for the bush fire season. This weekend, volunteer firefighters will be holding more than 480 innovative COVID-safe events and activities across the state, in person and online. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the events will offer residents a chance to engage with their local brigade, find out about the fire risk in their area and learn about practical actions they can take to ‘get ready’.   “Last year NSW experienced an extreme and devastating

Finding safe, loving and permanent homes for vulnerable kids is the focus of Foster Care Week, with the NSW Government reinforcing its commitment to put children first and to improve outcomes for kids in out-of-home care. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is calling for residents of the region to consider opening their hearts and their homes for a child in need. “Our Government is committed to putting children first, and creating stability for kids in out-of-home care is an essential part of that,” Mr Saunders said. “It doesn’t matter if you are single, married, young or old, rent

RSL clubs and schools in the Dubbo, Narromine, Wellington and Mudgee regions are among a range of community organisations eligible to apply for NSW Government funding to deliver projects that improve veteran wellbeing and celebrate their important contributions to society. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Anzac Community Grants Program provides organisations up to $2,000 to commence, enhance or complete a local community project as part of a commemorative and educational program. “The current and former servicemen and servicewomen in our community deserve to be recognised for their immense contribution to our country,” Mr Saunders said. “Funding