Photo caption: Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton (centre), and the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud (right), met with Andrew Schier (left) at Ahrens silo factory in Gilgandra last week.

Littleproud visits Dubbo and Gilgandra

It was a pleasure to have my Party Leader David Littleproud in the electorate last week. We spent Monday in Dubbo where we caught up with Orana Salvos and Orana Support Service to hear about how cost-of-living pressures are impacting locals.

We also spoke to David Hayes at Dubbo City Toyota about the Labor Government’s proposed Vehicle Efficiency Standard and how it is going to impact his business and customers before calling into Orana Mall Pharmacy to discuss how they will be impacted by Labor’s 60-day dispensing policy.

The following day was spent in Gilgandra where we met with Gilgandra Shire Council to discuss their concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the Inland Rail project and cuts to funding for important grade separations and road upgrades which were vital to improve safety and efficiency along the rail alignment.

In Gilgandra we also caught up with the staff at Ahrens silo factory which is a bustling business that employs about 30 locals and is a great example of the scope of industries we have in the Parkes electorate.

Chance to reflect this Thursday

Thursday is Anzac Day, one of the most important days on our national calendar. It’s an opportunity for all of us to pause, remember and reflect on the conflicts that have gone before us, and those that are still being battled in the world.

The harsh realities of war have once again been highlighted over the past six months with the horrors happening in Gaza. As we pay our respects to those Australians killed in war and honour our returned service men and women this week, I urge everyone to take a moment to think of the Israeli and Palestinian people who are caught up in this terrible war.

Meanwhile, this year marks the 80th Anniversary of what many consider was the turning point of World War II – D-Day. Hundreds of Australians were on the ground as waves of Allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy to commence the liberation of Western Europe, while thousands more Australians were in skies above providing vital air cover.

This year also marks significant anniversaries for our peacekeeping and humanitarian work in Rwanda and East Timor; and we celebrate the advancement of women through our defence force and the role they have played in securing our nation, our region and our values.

This Anzac Day we remember and give thanks for the service of all those who have fought for our freedoms; and we give thanks for all those serving our country today. To learn more about the Anzacs, please visit anzacportal.dva.gov.au

Funding available for sporting champions

A reminder to young athletes in the Parkes electorate that the Local Sporting Championships Program is currently accepting applications.

Administered by the Australian Sports Commission, the program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged between 12 and 18 who are participating in state, national or international sporting championships.

Successful applicants will receive $500 to $750 to contribute towards associated costs, including travel, accommodation, uniforms and sporting equipment.

Most of the young sportspeople from the Parkes electorate who compete at a representative level have to travel large distances to participate which can be very costly. This money will greatly assist families to ensure their children can continue competing in the sport they love without worrying about the financial burden.

Applications close on 30 April 2024. For more information, visit www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions