Funding to combat pests and weeds

Another $10 million will be delivered to drought-affected farmers and land managers to fight feral animals and weeds, with every local council in my electorate eligible to apply for the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program.

Applications to fund projects are now open, and will close 5 February 2020.

It will be unsurprising to many readers that feral animals and weeds cost farmers nearly $5 billion a year, with $89 million due to wild dogs and $4 billion due to weeds.

That’s why I was so pleased to announce funding for two important projects in the Parkes electorate under a previous round, which will help to combat these issues.

Last year I announced $926,000 for Bourke Shire Council, which on behalf of six Western Division Shires, invested in coordinated baiting, trapping, monitoring and capacity building along with 16 pest animal control and Landcare groups.

Furthermore, Narrabri Shire Council successfully received $127,680 to combat biosecurity and pest animal issues in the Pilliga, Gwabegar and Cuttabri districts.

I strongly encourage those interested to review the program guidelines for the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program – Biosecurity Management of Pests and Weeds – Round 2 at www.communitygrants.gov.au

Commemorating the Second World War

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to community groups and organisations to help conduct commemorative activities to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day.

The Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants program was recently expanded to place a focus on the Second World War and later wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations.

Victory in the Pacific Day marked the end of the Second World War – a war that impacted the lives of so many Australians, including those in the Parkes electorate.

We should never forget that nearly one million Australians served in the Second World War. Of these, more than 39,000 died and another 30,000 were taken as prisoners of war.

It is so important that future generations of Australians learn about the critical role of our service personnel. I encourage groups in my electorate to consider making an application for a project that commemorates our local Second World War history.

The guidelines for this program now allow for a diverse range of projects to be funded under the STS Commemorative Grants program, including documentaries, digital projects and podcasts, as well as community memorials and preservation of wartime memorabilia.

These projects will leave a lasting legacy in communities and educate the next generation, so that the memory of Australian service men and women will live on.

Applications for this program are now open on the Community Grants Hub at www.communitygrants.gov.au and will close on 31 March 2020.

Youth program sets sail

If you’re aged 16 to 23 and looking for an opportunity to develop valuable life skills, a voyage on board the Royal Australian Navy ship Young Endeavour could be just the experience for you.

The next generation of young Australians are building their leadership, teamwork and resilience skills on board the Young Endeavour, which has started the New Year setting sail from Tasmania for an 11-day voyage with a crew of 24.

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is recognised internationally as a leading youth development program. It’s challenging and inspiring, with the group needing to successfully work together to sail a traditionally rigged tall ship as they begin their journey along the Tasmanian coast.

Since 1988 the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme has taken almost 14,000 young Australians on voyages. Applications to join a voyage are now being accepted at www.youngendeavour.gov.au