Wellington

They are the smiling faces that light up their grandkid’s worlds and they are the helping hand for parents, so now it’s time to say a big thank you by nominating your Local Grandparent of the Year. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Local Grandparent of the Year Awards are a highlight of Grandparents Day on Sunday, 25 October. “There’s no denying it’s been tough on our grandparents this year with COVID-19 meaning they have had to isolate more than most to keep themselves safe,” Mr Saunders said. “Grandparents Day is the perfect opportunity to show grandparents […]

I am extremely disappointed that National Cabinet could not reach a consensus today on the issue of allowing agriculture workers to cross borders. I would like to thank NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her advocacy in the meeting, and the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall who have also championed this cause. It’s heartening that Prime Minister Scott Morrison, along with the premiers of Victoria and South Australia, saw fit to work on a way forward however it is disappointing that the Queensland premier is holding our farmers and agriculture workers to ransom We need free movement

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has urged sporting groups in the region to apply for funding towards a defibrillator as part of a NSW Government program. The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program will provide a minimum of 50 per cent towards the cost of a unit, and Mr Saunders said it is a literal life saver. “Unfortunately, cardiac arrest can happen at any place at any time but there is a strong link at places where people are physically exerting themselves,” Mr Saunders said. “We’re lucky in the region to have a lot of sporting facilities that have

Organisations in the region with programs promoting youth participation and engagement can now apply for up to $50,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities Grants. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this is an exciting opportunity for community groups, not-for-profits and councils to help kick-start youth focused projects. “There are so many great local organisations across our region delivering projects that drive youth participation and engagement,” Mr Saunders said. “There is $1.5 million available for projects that help young people in our local area learn new skills, make friends and create stronger communities.” The program provides

Young people in regional NSW are encouraged to apply to be involved in next year’s Regional Youth Taskforce, a Ministerial advisory group with a voice into government to raise everyday issues faced by friends and classmates in their communities. Minister for Regional Youth, Bronnie Taylor and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders, today announced the search is on for applicants aged between 12 and 24 who want to have a say on what their peers need when it comes to services, programs and infrastructure in the bush. Mr Saunders said young people living in Dubbo and the Central West

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