Wellington

Prison officers at Wellington Correctional Centre are being transitioned onto the mainstream industrial award, abolishing a system that had them working under different conditions to their Macquarie Correctional Centre counterparts. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said moving officers onto mainstream awards will level working conditions, and encourage mobility between the two centres. “For years I’ve heard from local prison officers that the two-tier system was not only unfair for the officers, but also made it hard for them to run our correctional facilities in the best and most efficient way possible,” Mr Saunders said. “That hinders our ability […]

Emerging and existing artists across the Wellington district are set to be taken under the wing of Orana Arts, thanks to a new partnership made possible by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced $152,439 for Orana Arts to deliver the Maliyan Cultural Centre development program. The program will be delivered in two parts: Ngiyangarra (Look up) – six local artists attend weekend workshops with leading Aboriginal creatives in visual art, literature, digital and performance to building skills and broaden their scope Barrangirra (Fly) – an installation/presentation of works developed

Visitors to the iconic Wellington Caves will have better accessibility to one of its most popular attractions, thanks to a significant investment from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate has today announced $22,000 for Dubbo Regional Council to replace the staircase to Thunder Cave, which has been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns. “Buried deep underground, the acoustics in the Thunder Cave are really something to behold – hence the name – but unfortunately the area also experiences really high humidity levels,” Mr Saunders said. “The existing staircase has

A project to preserve Wellington’s cultural history has received a significant boost from Create NSW’s Creative Capital program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Services Inc (WINS) has secured $26,718 to establish the Wellovision Digital Media Hub. “Wellington is a wonderful town with a rich history and a really vibrant community, but in recent years it’s got a bad rap,” Mr Saunders said. “There’s so many amazing stories waiting to be told, from the Indigenous history of the Wellington Caves to the remarkable elders within the community, and Wellovision will create a collaborative and

The new Maliyan Cultural Centre will be poised to host more exhibitions, installations and events thanks to a grant from Create NSW’s Creative Capital program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has received $35,000 to install internal, removable walls and projectors to enhance the centre’s gallery space. “The Maliyan Cultural Centre is only a relatively new space but already its punching well above its weight with the first exhibition – ID(hero) – a community collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Dennis Golding,” Mr Saunders said. “Dennis was a finalist in the 2021 National Aboriginal

Students in Wellington are set to benefit from improvements to their school facilities thanks to the NSW Government’s $148 million Minor Capital Works program. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has today announced Wellington Public School has received funding for a toilet upgrade. “The school environment plays play a crucial role in students’ learning experiences, so it’s important that we provide high quality – and accessible –spaces. That includes the loos,” Mr Saunders said. “Local businesses will be encouraged to bid for works through the Local Trade Scheme, so that they too can also benefit from this funding. “This

Young people in Wellington are reaping the rewards of free after-school activities thanks to the government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the Wellington PCYC has received $28,999 to establish the Connecting to Sports program, in partnership with Communities for Children. “From junior and high school basketball competitions to cooking and arts and crafts, these programs are already proving incredibly popular with young people in Wellington,” Mr Saunders said. “These programs are not only teaching important life skills, they’re building resilience, in a community that’s been hit hard by drought, COVID