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.

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.

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.

The consultation process for the next NSW Ageing Strategy is now open and locals are encouraged to contribute to the planning for managing an ageing population in the region. Individuals and organisations are invited to be part of the opportunity to help shape the new strategy by providing input via online consultation forums or submitting a survey response.

Gymnasiums, yoga, indoor pools and dance studios can reopen within a fortnight and kids’ community sport can resume across the region from 1 July, as more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. This is great news for those people who are really missing the physical challenge that going to the gym, a yoga class or a session on the dance floor can deliver.

The show is certain to go on with $327,705 to four local showgrounds to upgrade and improve the safety, use and condition of their buildings and support jobs in the local economy. This is great news for these towns. It has been a difficult time in our region with the impact of the drought, the bush fires and of course the COVID-19 pandemic.

Female toilet facilities at the Gunnedah Pistol Club are in for a long overdue makeover with a $4,100 Local Sports Grant. This is great news for the Club as the facilities are pretty much unchanged since the Club was established about 50 years ago.

A perfect pick-me-up for COVID-19 blues presents on Monday, 1 June with beauty and nail salon operators allowed to begin treatments under strict COVID-safe guidelines. This is great news for these small businesses who have been doing it tough since the social-distancing restrictions were introduced a couple of months ago. But we should always be aware, the key to the relaxing of this restriction is introducing practices to protect the safety of both customers and beauticians.

Domestic violence victim-survivors in the region will receive vital help available during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a share of more than $21 million invested to boost frontline services and other supports. This package will be a great boost to locals impacted by domestic violence or provide help to protect women and children and ultimately to save lives

Nominations are officially open for the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. The Hidden Treasures roll shines a spotlight on the contribution of women in this region who willingly lend their time and skills to make the community a better place. Female volunteers from Barraba to Bendemeer, Werris Creek to Walcha and Manilla to Nundle keep local organisations running, lend a helping hand where it is needed, fight bushfires and so much more.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has congratulated semi-retired Tamworth farmer, Keith Harris, who has been elected to his second term on the board of the North West Region of the Local Land Services. Mr Anderson said while the impact of the drought was no longer visible, the long-reaching effects of an unprecedented drought were still in play.

A $640,000 funding injection will allow Tamworth, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains and Walcha Councils to redirect funds to critical core services and deliver financial support for the local community.

Walcha locals are set to benefit from $50,827 invested in safety upgrades for the town’s important and historic showground complex.

Intra-state travel restrictions are to be lifted from Monday 1 June, 2020, creating opportunities for locals involved with tourism, accommodation, dining and other businesses in towns like Walcha and right across the region as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease.

Gunnedah and District Pony Club will get the jump on relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions with a Local Sport Grant of $5,000 to upgrade existing and to buy new equipment.