Flood update and disaster declarations

Lismore’s flood peaked at 14.4 metres. It’s the largest flood on record. The previous record was 12.17 metres. At 2:30am today the flood level was 13.3 metres. At this stage more than 1,300 people have registered for assistance As of 5am today, the SES has received a total of 6,296 requests for assistance, while crews…

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New program to strengthen career pathways

Students at five Upper Hunter high schools are being encouraged to explore exciting career opportunities through the expansion of the successful Educational Pathways Program. Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the program aims to improve education and career pathways for high school students by connecting them to real-world skills, training, and experience. “This…

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“Catastrophic” flood update

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is continuing over the Northern Rivers district and northern parts of the Mid North Coast. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely, possibly reaching in excess of 150 mm. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with…

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$1.063 million for MidCoast bushfire resilience

Wallaby Joe Rural Fire Service will share in $1.063 million in funding from the NSW Nationals in the federal government to ramp up bushfire resilience across the MidCoast. The brigade shed at Wingham will be more than doubled in size to cater for triple the number of volunteers since the 2019-20 bushfires. Federal Nationals Member…

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Almost $2 million for Coffs Coast flood management

Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh has congratulated Coffs Harbour City Council on receiving almost $2 million in NSW Government funding for local floodplain management. Mr Singh said the grants, awarded under the 2021-22 Floodplain Management Program, will help the council better understand and manage local flood risk and exposure in the region. The…

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NSW Women of the Year awards finalists announced

Some of our state’s most inspiring women have been named as finalists in the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards. Nationals Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the 31 remarkable women and girls are making a significant impact across the board, from science to education, health, industry, culture, and community. “I’m always inspired by…

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Full steam ahead for Walcha Show

It will be a mix of old and new for the 145th Walcha Show on the 11th and 12th of March, thanks to $36,000 from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Country Shows Support Package. Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the return of the Walcha Show was an opportunity to bring the…

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Shouting a second round of free RSA courses

By popular demand, an additional 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol courses are now on offer to help people get jobs in the hospitality industry. The RSA courses are available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations, and will be delivered either online or face-to-face in less than a day. People who have previously…

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Country show season looking bright

Country shows in Cowra, Gundagai, and Woodstock are coming back bigger than ever in 2022, thanks to the Country Shows Support Package from the NSW Nationals in the state government. Nationals Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the Country Shows Support Package has delivered funding for three shows in the Cootamundra electorate; $30,000 for the…

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Lismore Airport upgrade underway

Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan has turned the sod on a $300,000 project to construct an aircraft run-up bay at Lismore Regional Airport. Lismore Regional Airport is an important facility for the local economy. Pre-COVID it catered for around 12,000 flying passengers annually. Mr Hogan said the upgrade will reduce runway congestion, improving…

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Wingham music festival back on centre stage

Visitors to Wingham will once again be able to rock out to an all-star line-up when the Wingham Akoostik Music Festival returns in 2022 thanks to $168,436 support from the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund. Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said the festival was a major drawcard for the Wingham area, and…

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Sarah Mitchell

Schools “pretty much back to normal” from next week

COVID-Smart settings in NSW schools have been eased, giving students the first taste of normal school life since the pandemic began two years ago. Core measures, including enhanced cleaning and maximising natural and mechanical ventilation in line with health advice, will remain in place. But from next Monday – February 28: Mask requirements will be…

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Federal Nats funding drives Dungog’s ridgetop trails tourism

Funding of $837,000 from the NSW Nationals in the federal government will support the showcasing of Dungog’s spectacular ridgetop trails, linking Dungog Common to the iconic Barrington Tops. Funding has been announced under the Federal Coalition Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program to continue to make Dungog Shire an attractive and safe trail-friendly region.…

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