Last week I was joined by Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Ben Shields as we proudly unveiled the new shade sails at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, made possible with $195,000 in funding from the Federal Government's Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
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The DCP is all about creating projects that provide local employment and long-lasting benefits to communities like Dubbo, in turn boosting the local economy. The impressive new shade sails will improve animal welfare outcomes and keep healthy livestock flowing through the sale yards.
Drawcard for Goodooga
Goodooga has another drawcard with last Friday's opening of the new artesian bore baths. It was my great pleasure to be there to celebrate with Brewarrina Shire Councillors, including Mayor Phillip 'Ocker' O'Connor and the local community - this is a fantastic achievement for all involved.
Not only have these baths invigorated the local economy by providing local jobs, but they represent an exciting tourist attraction - so the community benefits will continue to flow. The Federal Coalition Government's DCP has funded this project with $304,493 and is funding many others in the Brewarrina Shire. There will be more local projects rolling out, with the recent announcement that the DCP will once again deliver $1 million in funding to every local council in my electorate.
New golf clubhouse for Baradine
A new clubhouse in Baradine has replaced the existing 72-year-old timber building and will breathe new life into the region's golf community. I helped to officially open the new clubhouse over the weekend, which will continue to deliver economic benefits to the region. The new clubhouse will be used more often as a dining and functions venue, creating a drawcard for tourists visiting the region.
The project received $140,515 in Federal Government funding under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), with Baradine Golf Club contributing the remaining funds to the project. The BBRF is an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities. Applications close on 19 December 2019 - full details are available at www.business.gov.au/bbrf
Celebrating local sporting talent
It was wonderful to attend the Dubbo Sports Awards last Friday evening - a fantastic celebration of local sporting talent, in which I am involved each year. Hosted in conjunction with the Dubbo Regional Sports Council, the awards help to shine a light on the outstanding achievements of the most talented sportspeople in Dubbo and Wellington, and celebrate the important people behind the scenes.
Across the Dubbo region, and indeed in Western NSW, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to local sporting talent. From cycling, basketball and swimming, to cricket, netball and hockey, there was a very impressive range of sports covered on the night.
Also worth noting are the people who work tirelessly in the background such as parents, coaches and referees, who have a special role to play in the success of our sportspeople. Congratulations again to all the wonderful sportsmen and women who represented their sporting endeavours so strongly at this event.
