Community groups and not-for-profit organisations have until May 26 at 5pm to submit an application in Round 2 of the Community Grants program.

The Stronger Communities: Community Grants Program is an initiative of the NSW Government and forms part of the $10 million Stronger Communities funding made available to Dubbo Regional Council to initiate projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

This round the funding total is $350,000 and community groups may apply for small amounts for items such as new equipment or materials right through to major capital projects valued up to $50,000.

Opportunities for funding of this scale are rare for community and not-for-profit organisations and I strongly encourage all groups to consider applying.

We want to hear from all community and not for profit groups with projects that have lasting social, cultural, economic or environmental benefit all considered. For more details, or to download an application package, go to www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au

Tourism trade delegates from around the world have been shown the best that Dubbo has to offer to encourage international group tourism to our region. The visits were part of NSW Familiarisation Program which is an initiative of Destination NSW as part of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) being held in Sydney last week.

The tours were about experiencing the sights and attractions of Dubbo and promoting an understanding of the variety of experiences on offer to tourists to the region which will hopefully lead to these travel buyers promoting Dubbo as a travel destination to their clients.

The highlights of the tour were provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, First Lesson Cultural Tours, Old Dubbo Gaol, Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens, Western Plains Cultural Centre and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Increasing the number of overnight stays will provide our economy with a great boost. It’s about getting people to stay longer and spend at our local hotels, restaurants and retailers. A lot has been invested in the promotion and marketing of Dubbo as a tourist destination and we are very happy that this program will help take us to a wider international audience.

Don’t forget to have your say on the draft 2017/2018 Operational Plan and Budget, which is open for public submissions until June 2.

The draft 2017/2018 Operational Plan and Budget which sets priorities and allocates funding for Council functions for the forthcoming year.

It’s important that council hears what the community has to say about this and I encourage everyone to take a look and make a submission.

The documents are available for download from council’s website www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.

Hard copies will be available for inspection at the council offices and libraries in Dubbo and Wellington, the Ballimore Inn, the Eumungerie and Wongarbon Post Offices, the Burrendong Hotel in Mumbil, the Geurie General Store and the Stuart Town Rural Transaction Centre.

Congratulations to the Wellington Show Society on another successful show at the weekend. Luckily the forecasted rain didn’t eventuate and the show goers were able to enjoy the displays, rides and entertainment under blue skies.

This weekend will be the 144th Dubbo Annual Show on 26, 27 and 28 May and it promises to be a great weekend.