I received a briefing from Telstra in the last fortnight with an update on the telcos plans to close the 2G (GSM) mobile phone service down on 1 December 2016, meaning that if you use this service you’ll no longer be able to make or receive telephone calls or send and receive text messages. For more information on the closure of the network please make contact with Telstra on 1800 718 650 or 13 22 00.

The NSW Government is on track to deliver the long awaited container deposit scheme with the Bill passing through the Parliament last week. Everyone in the community will be able to participate by receiving a 10-cent refund on eligible containers from 1 July next year and this will make a massive difference to our environment. Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/container-deposit-scheme.htm or by contacting my office.

Last week the State Treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian announced proposed changes to 227 boards, committees and other entities as part of the government’s attempt to eliminating duplication, with the majority of bodies identified having overlapping functions or ceasing to serve their original purpose. It’s important to note that there will be no public service job losses as a result of these changes but will eventually save taxpayers $40 million a year. To have your say visit by November www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au or by contacting my electorate office.

Students in Year 10 and 11 that are history buffs and those with a strong connection to the ANZAC story are encouraged to apply for the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship. Successful scholarship recipients will visit key battlefields and memorial sites where our Anzac history is brought to life and take part in a 12-day tour that will take in significant Australian battlefields on the Western Front in Belgium and France including Villiers Bretonneux, Pozieres and Fromelles. Expressions of interest can be made by contacting my office or lodged online until 5pm Monday 14 November by visiting www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship-tour/.

Not only am I proud as the local member that the Artlands Conference is being held in the Dubbo this week, I am immensely pleased to advise that $17,141 in funding through the Country Arts Support Program has been approved for organisations and events in the Dubbo electorate. 

Successful projects include $3,000 for the Mudgee Men’s Shed for their Fotogeriatrics program, $3,000 to Westhaven in Dubbo for the anticipated “A Door to My Life” and $3,000 to the Stuart Town Advancement Association to go towards the Man from Ironbark Performers. I congratulate these recipients and all those who will receive funds from this supportive regional arts program.

This Sunday, October 30 is Grandparents Day, a special day to spend time with older loved ones and to celebrate the important role older people play in our local community and to connect across generations. I hope that everyone will take a moment to think about, call, write to or visit their grandparent or an older relative and let them know how much they mean to you.