Grants for flood-affected primary producers

I’m pleased that flood-affected primary producers in the Parkes electorate can apply for recovery grants of up to $25,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event. This includes the Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo Regional, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Narromine, Walgett, Warren and Warrumbungle LGAs in the Parkes electorate.

The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties.

Our farmers have been among the hardest hit by flooding this year, with recent floods destroying or downgrading millions of dollars’ worth of crops across the Parkes electorate just before harvest season. I know these grants will be very welcomed to help farmers get back on their feet after a challenging few months.

For more information, or to lodge an application, visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call the RAA on 1800 678 593. If you are a farmer or a member of the community requiring an emergency response regarding livestock or animals, call 1800 814 647.

Recognising veterans in Broken Hill

Last week it was an honour to recognise four local veterans from the Parkes electorate during a special presentation in my Broken Hill office, ahead of Remembrance Day.

I presented Certificates of Appreciation, made possible under the Australian Government Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program, to Raymond John Harvey from Broken Hill, and to Rae Ellen Dellar who is the daughter of the late Donald Harold Earnest Massey and granddaughter of the late Harold John Massey, as well as the daughter of the wife of the late Albert James McDonald.

Ray served as a soldier in the Royal Australian Navy from 1967 to 1979, while Albert, Donald and Harold served during World War II. Albert was killed in action in New Guinea in 1943.

We owe our freedoms to the service given by these men and many like them, so it was a privilege to be able to present these certificates. Even though Albert, Donald and Harold are no longer with us, it’s lovely for their families to have this memento to pass onto future generations, to remember the role they played in various conflicts.

Veterans, or family members of those deceased who served in the Second World War and overseas in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations since are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Appreciation. For more information about the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program, visit www.dva.gov.au/recognition/certificate-appreciation or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Remembering our fallen

On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War.

This day became known as Armistice Day and after World War Two it was renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today, the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

This Friday is Remembrance Day, one of the most significant dates on our national calendar.

At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, our nation pauses to observe one minute’s silence to remember those who served, suffered and died for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

I encourage all residents of the Parkes electorate to come together on this special day, as we do every year, to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have given their lives so that we can live ours.