Wellington

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has announced that applications are now open for the highly-popular Community Building Partnership Program, unlocking $300,000 for projects in the region. Mr Saunders, who is currently in the process of announcing successful applicants from the 2019 round of the fund, is urging community groups, not for profits, and councils to apply for funding to help deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes. “Local sports clubs, charities, schools and museums are just some of the groups that benefit from this program,” he said. “In the most recent round of the fund I have already announced

A program aimed at creating pathways for budding theatre performers will proceed in the region thanks to funding secured by Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders. Mr Saunders said Orana Arts had successfully applied for $136,550, which will help them facilitate a program titled BBC XL, which will take students to the next level by broadening their networks within the industry. “Dubbo and the wider western region of NSW has a strong and thriving arts community, and this program is aimed at attracting the next generation, particularly when it comes to theatre,” Mr Saunders said. “Youth are our future

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) can now expand its work in protecting our regional communities thanks to an additional $810,000 from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the RFDS South Eastern Section is receiving $750,000 for two additional fully equipped Mobile Service Vehicles with full time staff for six months, alongside $60,000 for 60 iPads attached to Medical Chest locations to enhance telehealth services. “This $810,000 boost is on top of more than $38.8 million the NSW Government has already provided to the RFDS this financial year to support the incredible work it does

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders believes the time has come to look at the best way for NSW to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, and he believes the regions can help lead the way. With daily confirmed-case numbers across the state dropping significantly from where they were when the state’s Public Health Order was enforced, and statistics in regional NSW showing prolonged positive trends, Mr Saunders said it is time to look at making slow progress towards reopening businesses and public facilities. “I think there are ways that regional areas like the Dubbo region could help lead the

Residents of the Dubbo electorate will be able to commemorate ANZAC Day from home this year with a broadcast of special services to honour our veterans and serving Defence personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of traditional ANZAC Day services and events across the country, however Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this provides even more reason to commemorate the day. “ANZAC Day has a renewed meaning as our community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Saunders said. “We must never forget those who have served this great country and ANZAC Day is

The Orana Mid-Western Police District will be a safer place, with a second wave of new officers set to hit the beat. As part of a rollout of 250 additional police assigned to be rolled out over the next 12 months, the local district will receive three extra officers including a specialist aged crime prevention officer. This comes just days after five probationary constables who recently left the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn started work in the region, including one who has been stationed at Wellington. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he welcomed the allocation of more

Parents who are looking for educational ways to keep their children occupied during the COVID-19 outbreak are being encouraged to look at new material being provided by the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the ‘Digital Lunchbreak’ portal, collated by the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP), offers a wide range of online activities and resources for children of all ages. “COVID-19 has impacted on us in so many ways, but in particular parents with young children who are being kept home from daycare, pre-school or school,” Mr Saunders said. “On the