Closure of the Greyhound Industry
Last week saw the passage of legislation in the NSW Parliament for the shutdown the greyhound industry in NSW. I am very aware that this decision will affect those involved with the industry and others associated with it, so I encourage those who are feeling distressed about the closure or want to know more about the transition to contact the transition taskforce on 1800 812 115. Trained counsellors are available to answer questions, speak with and listen to your concerns. Additionally, if you would like to have your say on the transition arrangements you can complete a short online survey at www.racing.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/greyhound-racing-nsw.aspx.
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Planning for the new integrated cancer centre
While I announced last week that the next stages (3 and 4) of the $150 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment have reached another milestone with Health Infrastructure calling for tenders to construct an additional floor on the new clinical services building.
It was great to sit down last week with the Chief Executive of the Western NSW Local Health District, Scott McLachlan and my federal colleague, Mark Coulton to start the formal discussions about the planning for the integrated cancer centre that will be built in Dubbo. The community support for this has been nothing short of inspirational and I commend Dubbo West Rotary and the many community members of the Western region for championing this issue.
Creating more liveable communities
I’m pleased to advise that applications are now open under the Liveable Communities Grants Program. The program provides grants of up to $100,000 for innovative projects that help older people stay healthy, stay connected, get or keep a job, or live in their community close to family or friends.
Projects must align with one of the government’s five identified ageing priority areas: Health and wellbeing, working and retiring, housing choices, getting around and inclusive communities.
Applications close on September 30.
Supporting those suffering with cancer
As many would be aware, last Friday was Daffodil Day, an annual fundraiser championed by the Cancer Council to raise awareness of and funds for cancer research and support. It was pleasing to see so many in the community purchasing bunches of daffodils and wearing pins in support of the cause. In October this year three local blokes and motorbike fanatics, Steve Cowley, Charlie Crossley and John Burton will embark on their motorbikes on a 54 day trip around Australia raising money and awareness for emerging the charity, Without a Ribbon.
Without a Ribbon was established to support those who are diagnosed and suffer with the rarer, lesser known forms of cancer, cancers that claimed the lives of Steve’s sister and Charlie’s wife. More information by contacting Steve Cowley on 0429 313 009 or by visiting www.facebook.com/compassrun.
Help create homes for our fish
I know that we aren’t short of keen fishers in the electorate, with the Burrendong Dam filling and the Macquarie River flowing well, there’s plenty of fish about.
Individuals and community groups wanting to improve our local fish habitat should apply for a grant through the next funding round of the NSW Government’s Habitat Action Grants Program at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hag or phone the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries (02) 6042 4213.
Wattle Day
September 1 is Wattle Day, in recognition of our national floral emblem. Why not celebrate our national identity and welcome the first day of spring by wearing a sprig of wattle or planting a wattle tree.