Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton visited Whiddon Narrabri Jessie Hunt last month (prior to lockdown) to hear about plans to upgrade the rooms, thanks to capital grants funding through the Federal Government’s Aged Care Approvals Round. He is pictured with Acting Clinical Care Coordinator Gladys Apostol, Whiddon Narrabri Director Care Services Sara Cameron, resident Marjorie ‘Marj’ Eastick and Whiddon Narrabri Acting Deputy Director Care Services Renuka Saru.
Aged care investment
The Federal Government is committed to investing in aged care, and last week I was delighted to announce more than $2.6 million in funding for The Whiddon Group residential aged care facilities in Bourke, Narrabri and Walgett.
This capital grants funding has been provided through the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Our elderly people deserve access to quality aged care services, and I’m pleased this funding will be used for significant infrastructure improvements to ensure aged care residents in Bourke, Narrabri and Walgett will be able to live in greater comfort.
This funding represents more than just bricks and mortar; it offers peace-of-mind and security not only for local residents already in care and their families but also those who are carefully considering the next phase of their life.
For more information about the 2020 ACAR, visit www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/2020-aged-care-approvals-round-acar
Silverton Road upgrade complete
Motorists travelling on Silverton Road in the Far West will now enjoy a smoother journey, with a $3.5 million upgrade now complete.
Work to widen and seal an 18-kilometre section of the road between the historic mining village of Silverton and Broken Hill started in February, and supported 20 jobs during this time.
The completion of this upgrade is great news for local road users, freight operators and tourists who will now be able to experience safer and more efficient journeys when travelling along this road.
Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, the Far West had seen a big increase in visitors to the area, and once restrictions ease more people will be taking the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything that this unique part of the state has to offer.
The Silverton Road upgrade was jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales governments. Commonwealth funding of $969,769 was provided through the $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
Keeping mice at the door
With spring now here and the weather warming up, farmers across the Parkes should be on alert for signs of increased mouse activity, with numbers expected to rise again depending on rainfall in the coming months.
Good rainfall and the prospect of a bumper harvest are perfect conditions for mice, so taking action early will be key in keeping numbers down. It’s important that farmers get out into the paddocks to look for damage or other signs of mice such as active burrows, and to act at the first signs of activity.
The first port of call for impacted farmers is the relevant state authorities, however there are Australian Government initiatives available to provide support.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority can issue emergency use permits to support mouse control, while the Farm Household Allowance is available to affected farmers. Farmers can also access tax concessions; primary producers may be able to claim an immediate deduction for capital expenditure on fodder storage assets, such as silos and hay sheds.
To find out more, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/mouse-infestation
