Over 60 motions from community’s right across the state were discussed at the Conference, ranging from health services and tax policy to important road projects and electricity supply.

I am encouraging residents to celebrate the grandparents and older people in their lives ahead of Grandparents Day this October, by nominating them for an award or getting involved in local events in the community.

Nominations are now open for the 2018 NSW Grandparent of the Year Local and State Awards, which celebrate the valuable contributions grandparents and seniors make to their families and communities.

There are some truly inspiring grandparents and older people who make the local community a supportive, inclusive place to live.

This is our opportunity to showcase the selfless seniors of the region and show our appreciation for their hard work volunteering their time, sharing their knowledge and wisdom, as well as supporting their families. I encourage all residents to submit a nomination to my office for the local Grandparent of the Year.

Meanwhile, I am urging amateur and professional photographers alike to spend some time with their grandparents and snap a photo of them in their everyday life for the Grandparent Day Photography Competition.

The competition aims to foster intergenerational relationships in NSW, as grandchildren learn from their grandparents’ experiences and advice while sharing their own lives.

NSW Grandparents Day will take place on Sunday, October 28. Nominations for the 2018 Local Grandparent of the Year Award are open until Friday, October 26 and can be submitted at 1/18 Talbragar St Dubbo or via email.

To submit a nomination for the statewide NSW Grandparent of the Year Award, enter the Photography Competition visit www.grandparentsday.nsw.gov.au.

$1 Billion to help curb homelessness ins NSW. Rough sleepers, young people and victims of domestic violence at risk of becoming homeless in the region will receive tailored support to find stability and improve their lives under the NSW Government’s Homeless Strategy.

The 2018/2019 Budget commits more than $1 billion for homelessness services over the next four years to support new and existing initiatives across the state.

That includes $61 million of new funding over the next four years to implement the Homelessness Strategy, with more assertive outreach services for rough sleepers, strengthened risk assessment to address the underlying complexity behind each person’s homelessness and more support to maintain a tenancy.

In the Dubbo electorate, this funding will help people to maintain tenancies, access vital support and avoid homelessness.

The NSW Government has today announced that 32 face-to-face workshops and 11 new on-demand webcasts will be delivered for NSW tourism businesses to help them develop, promote and sell their products to visitors from across Australia and the world.

Giving the opportunity to expand their skills and grow their business by attending these fantastic workshops and webcasts.

The 2018-19 NSW First Program focuses on market-ready product development and the expansion of export-ready products across NSW. Dubbo September 5-6. Visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/workshops. 

Until next week, Troy