Seniors across the region can look forward to having more opportunities to make new friends and be more social thanks to an initiative to combat isolation.

Progress continues to be made with the upgrading of Walcha’s water supply.

Walcha’s Community Hall will be re-roofed and have its floor sanded and upgraded thanks to a $63,560 Stronger Country Communities Fund grant.

Motion-sensor activated solar lighting, funded with a $270,438 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund will help to brighten up one of Walcha’s popular walkways.

The challenges of a brisk winter climate should be well insulated with a $325,200 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund to relocate the Walcha Men’s Shed from its current location.

A grant of $272,766 will fund the installation of safety barrier fencing around the perimeter of the Gunnedah Golf Club.

Currabubula’s Community Hall is set for an upgrade thanks to a $157,910 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Two grants totalling more than $500,000 will be used to create future employment opportunities for young people in Tamworth and the district and to expand a bike trail at the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said NAIDOC community grants opened this week to support events that celebrate Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.

Almost 4,000 seniors in the region have successfully signed up for the new $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card since applications opened on 29 January.

Grants of $75,000 are now available for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses who have been affected by bushfires in the Tamworth Regional Council area.

The construction of Dungowan Dam and the upgrade of the pipeline from the dam to Tamworth took a positive step forward with the announcement of key staff to deliver the projects.

One of regional NSW’s biggest fire stations is expected to be handed over to Tamworth NSW Fire & Rescue on 1 July, with the $5.38 million project charging ahead.