A $9.303 million funding program has been announced to turbocharge local road improvements in the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Walcha Council areas. We’re not just putting our foot down in terms of delivering this package – we’re turbocharging it to ensure we create jobs and create better journeys on the roads that really matter to local communities.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP has announced a further $34,100 in improvement works to Gunnedah Showground as part of a NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package. The showground has been approved for upgrade work to improve the safety, use and condition of their infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy.

Two new probationary constables have begun their careers in the Oxley Police District, after a recent graduation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy. The appointment of the new recruits is great news for this growing city.

leaders living in regional areas can now apply for one of 12 event management scholarships thanks to the partnership with Meetings and Events Australia (MEA). The scholarships, which are each valued at $7,500, aim to boost economies in regional centres like Tamworth, Gunnedah through to Werris Creek, Manilla, Barraba and Walcha by upskilling those young people who are working in the events industry.

Young drivers’ patience is being rewarded with driver-testing back at full capacity from 1 July, thanks to easing of COVID-19 restrictions. All young learner and P-plate drivers are able to book a driver test online, via phone or in a Service NSW Centre.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP is continuing his push for work to begin on upgrading Werris Creek Road and to upgrade and seal Rangari Road. I am in constant contact with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole and we both agree that important roads like Rangari Road and Werris Creek Road need to be started to provide improved conditions for the region’s motorists.

Round 7 of the Resources for Regions program will pump $1,430,305 into the Gunnedah Shire Council as well as acknowledging the contribution mining makes to the economy of the region. The funding announcement is great news for the local community and Gunnedah Council’s strategic plans for improving the region. Mining still plays a massive part in our regional economies and this program delivers a dividend for both infrastructure projects and community programs for Gunnedah.

The NSW Government will deliver fairer, more transparent fees for retirement village residents through new laws that will see exit entitlements paid more quickly when residents depart their village. The new reforms will improve access to exit entitlements, create a new mechanism to support residents moving to aged care, and place a 42-day cap on the payment of recurrent charges for general services.

Volunteers and community groups that use Crown lands in this region are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain public facilities and reserves. Applications for the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

Four new projects that will facilitate the flow of cash through Gunnedah’s local economy, generate jobs and support local businesses will soon start rolling out with $1 million in funding announced by the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP. This funding allocation is fantastic news for Gunnedah Shire Council to start on projects that will generate work for local tradies and suppliers.

Additional support for locally-based HSC students is available with the new HSC Hub switching on for the first time today. HSC students from Walcha to Werris Creek, Tamworth to Tambar Springs, Gunnedah to Gowrie or Barraba to Bendemeer, will have access to the new online platform.

A new weekly bus service from Tambar Springs to Tamworth is about to start on Friday, making it easier for locals to get into the regional centre and back for medical appointments, important retail therapy or to catch up with family and friends. An extra bonus with the service is that passengers can also connect at Tamworth with NSW TrainLink services to Sydney.

The launch of the state’s most comprehensive consultation of veterans and their families will help shape the first NSW Veterans Strategy. This is great news for our local veterans as they now have the chance to complete a survey, share their views and highlight the issues they face to best determine the appropriate support they require.

A Tamworth-based organisation, 2 Rivers Pty Ltd, will received $120,000 under the Creative Koori program to run 52 professional development programs and creative workshops across the region. The program includes mentoring and workshops with professional Aboriginal artists and art workers resulting in exhibitions and performances across the region.

Road resurfacing projects worth $718,000 in Tamworth have been fast-tracked as part of the NSW Government’s economic stimulus package. The stimulus funding has allowed Transport for NSW to bring forward and deliver projects in addition to its planned program of work.

Local musicians have been urged to register their interest in a new music event that plans to provide COVID-safe gigs to regional NSW in November. This is great news for our local musicians and bands as the restrictions applied during the COVID-19 pandemic have been rigorous. I’m hanging out to get back together with my band to enjoy playing some music and I know heaps of other musicians in Tamworth, Gunnedah, or smaller centres like Kootingal or anywhere else in the region, have the same desire to perform.

A well-timed grant of $5,000 will assist the Tamworth Junior Riding and Pony Club to upgrade its dressage arena and to buy an electronic clock system for dressage, barrel racing and other events that are determined by split-seconds. It’s fantastic to see these young riders who are so passionate about their sport will get an opportunity to improve their skills in events like dressage and barrel racing.

Greyhound owners across the region will have their registration fees waived for another 12 months. This is great news for our local owners and trainers as we’re seeing an easing in restrictions, which in time will allow more people to return to tracksides.

With community sport and recreation about to kick off, a Community Sport Recovery Package has been announced to provide financial support and assistance. This is great news for our sporting teams and clubs across the region with grants of up to $1,000 to assist them for when sport resumes on 1 July.

Barriers imposed by social isolation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic will be tackled and eased with a grant of $11,258 to Gunnedah’s Winanga-Li Elders Link. The funding will ensure that Aboriginal Elders in Gunnedah, Tamworth and around the district can participate in and contribute to their community during their experience of COVID-19 distancing or isolation.