Last week was a big one in Canberra with the Coalition Government handing down its second Budget.
This Budget has been carefully considered, is appropriate for our economic times and has been designed to be a real shot in the arm for rural and regional Australia.
The people of the Parkes electorate face a diverse range of issues. In responding to these issues, I am always pushing for new programs and funding.
My Government has recognised the importance of these issues and has addressed many of them in this year’s Budget.
The Drought Support Package will provide some much needed relief to farmers, farm businesses and rural communities in drought-affected areas across the Parkes electorate.
The Growing Jobs and Small Business package will help small businesses across the electorate invest more, grow more, and employ more.
The range of employment programmes will also provide people of the Parkes electorate with more opportunities to secure sustainable employment.
I am confident that this Budget will produce jobs, growth and opportunity for the Parkes electorate.
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Last week was National Volunteer Week. The theme this year was Give Happy, Live Happy.
The week celebrated the valuable contribution of volunteers helping to make the lives of others happy and, in doing this, being happier people themselves.
I take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers across the Parkes electorate. I acknowledge their tireless efforts in supporting others and their wonderful contributions to our local communities.
I encourage everyone to consider undertaking volunteer work in their local community. Information about volunteer positions can be found at www.govolunteer.com.au.
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I would like to congratulate the Moorambilla Voices regional children’s choir on their recent performances at the Canberra International Music Festival and Parliament House.
The choir consists of 44 children from towns throughout western New South Wales. Singing in the choir can be a life-changing experience for these young singers who would otherwise have limited opportunity to develop their musical potential in a professional choir under the guidance of leading musicians and composers.
For more information about the choir, or to make a donation, please visit www.moorambilla.com.
