Photo Caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton at Gulargambone Pre-School with Committee Member Jodie Peart, Treasurer Belinda Moeris, Director Amii Marchant and Gulargambone Central School Principal Michael Spora. Gulargambone Pre-School will benefit from $87,525 in Federal Government funds for security enhancements.
All matters health and Indigenous communities
It’s been another productive week on the road with visits to Moree, Mungindi, Gunnedah, Coonabarabran, Dubbo and Gulargambone to meet with constituents and community groups.
While in Gunnedah I stopped in to catch up with Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. We discussed the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and in particular priority reforms including building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector and transforming government organisations, so they work better for Indigenous people. I’m pleased to be having these important discussions with groups in my electorate about how we can achieve improved outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Further south-west, and I enjoyed meeting with Tanya from Macquarie Health Collective in Dubbo to discuss ways that we can continue to improve health outcomes for patients in rural and regional areas. Tanya has been working to attract and retain health professionals, and in her own business employs general practitioners, medical specialists and allied health professionals who live and work in Dubbo.
Telehealth services continue to support the delivery of health services to rural and regional patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was pleased to hear the Government’s telehealth measures have been an important part of Macquarie Health Collective’s service delivery.
Checking in with Mungindi
I was pleased to spend some time in Mungindi last week. It’s incredible to see support flowing for this fantastic community after its only supermarket was decimated by a fire recently.
We’ve seen just how problematic the draconian Queensland border closures have been for people in Northern New South Wales. While I welcome the fact that some improvements have been made to accommodate the needs of people in parts of my electorate, we still require practical solutions for those who reside outside the border bubble.
In other news, the Queensland Government finally has done the right thing and will let regional boarding school students head home for the school holidays. It’s a shame that Queensland let it get to this stage, which has caused undue stress for parents and students, but common sense has prevailed. Thanks to all those who have helped achieve this pleasing result.
Peace of mind in Gular
I was thrilled to announce $87,525 in Federal Government funds for security enhancements at Gulargambone Pre-School during a visit to the town last week.
The installation of CCTV cameras with remote access, security lighting, security alarms and fencing improvements will give children, families and community members greater peace of mind.
It means the pre-school can ensure a safe environment for children, families and community members who access the new facilty both during and after school hours.
It’s a hive of activity at Gulargambone Pre-School at the moment with plenty of capital works underway, so I’m glad these funds will further benefit the pre-school and wider community.
Restarting the business events sector
Thousands of jobs across the tourism and hospitality industry will be backed through a $50 million injection to help restart Australia’s business events sector.
As part of the program, regional businesses will be encouraged to attend events, trade shows and conferences within Australia through grants to help cover the costs of exhibiting, such as the hire of exhibition spaces, design and manufacture of displays, travel and accommodation.
Under the Business Events Exhibitor Grants program, businesses exhibiting at an approved business meeting, convention, conference or incentives event in 2021 will be able to apply for upfront grants to cover up to 50 per cent of their costs ($10,000 – $250,000).
Our business sector is doing it tough at present and getting events put back into the calendar will have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy. Further details are available at www.austrade.gov.au/australian/tourism/tourism-and-business/grants