Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester last week announced two organisations in the Parkes electorate will receive funding under the latest round of the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service grants program.
Over 50s now included in vaccine rollout
It’s great that all Australians aged 50 years and over can now be vaccinated against COVID-19, as Australia’s vaccine rollout continues.
People aged 50 years and over can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at Commonwealth, state and territory vaccination clinics, participating general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
I’m pleased to hear from a number GP clinics across the electorate that a majority of people are happy to get the vaccine, however I understand some people in the over 50s age bracket have reservations about the AstraZeneca vaccine due to risk of blood clotting. I want to reassure everyone that the AstraZeneca is highly effective at preventing death and severe illness among people who have contracted COVID-19 and the incidence of thrombocytopenia syndrome is very rare.
To further diversify Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine supply however, the Australian Government has secured 25 million doses of the Moderna vaccine. Should the Therapeutic Goods Administration approve the vaccine, Moderna will begin its supply in late 2021.
Meanwhile, the NSW Government last week announced Dubbo as one of 25 sites across the state now taking bookings for people aged in their 40s to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
To find out when you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, visit www.health.gov.au or call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080. When trying to book an appointment with a local GP, please be mindful that they have only a limited supply of vaccine and appointments available, and are providing the vaccine on top of their usual service. I urge people to remain patient; everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be.
Saluting their service in Narromine and Mendooran
I’m pleased to announce that two groups in the Parkes electorate have received funding under the latest round of the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service grants program.
Congratulations to Constructive Farming Co-Operative Limited and Mendooran RSL Sub-Branch, both of which have received grants for projects to help recognise and commemorate our region’s military history.
Constructive Farming Co-Operative Limited will use its $3,970 grant to restore an existing avenue of honour at Narromine that commemorates Royal Australian Air Force personnel trained in the area during the Second World War.
A grant of $3,000 will allow Mendooran RSL Sub-Branch to repair and install new lighting at the Mendooran cenotaph, conduct maintenance on an existing Lone Pine Tree and plant a new Lone Pine Tree.
I encourage other organisations in the Parkes electorate to consider submitting an application in the next round of grants, which is now open. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-service
Full-time employment at a record high
Labour force figures released last week revealed that full-time employment in Australia is at a record high, while the unemployment rate has fallen to 5.5 per cent.
Underemployment is now at its lowest level in seven years, and we have seen youth unemployment fall to its lowest level in 12 years.
This is fantastic news and shows that the Coalition Government’s economic plan is working.
The 2021-22 Federal Budget will help to cement Australia’s economic recovery through measures including a further $15.2 billion in infrastructure investment, additional tax cuts for businesses and individuals, a further $2.7 billion to extend the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program and an additional $500 million to expand the JobTrainer Fund.
With a jobs-led recovery at the heart of the Budget, the Government is securing Australia’s future by rebuilding the economy and creating more sustainable jobs to ensure Australia continues to rebound strongly from the COVID-19 induced recession.