Nats put student wellbeing at forefront

The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced another 80 scholarships are on offer for a program that prioritises the well-being of students by putting qualified mental health professionals into schools. The program brings graduates into the growing school counselling service, and supports teachers to reskill as counsellors. The scholarships cover the cost of…

New online home for natural disaster support

Communities recovering from bushfires, floods and other natural disasters now have access to a new one-stop-shop of vital information. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Black Summer bushfires and recent storm and flood events had devastated parts of the state, and the NSW Nationals in the state government’s priority was to continue support for those…

Infrastructure grant applications open

Community organisations in the Central West can now apply for funding to support local projects under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Infrastructure Grants program. Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the impacts of COVID-19 are still being widely felt and support for struggling community organisations will remain a priority. “A total of…

Mouse plague rebates now available online

Households and small businesses affected by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates through the Service NSW website as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1000 to…

Free lifetime registration for rescue pets

The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters. The free lifetime registration is designed to encourage prospective pet owners to ‘adopt not shop’ for a dog or cat, and reduce the burden on council pounds and animal…

Honey bee industry abuzz with Nats support

The Nationals in the federal government have announced a $600,000 grant for honey bee bushfire recovery research and development. Nationals Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the grant would help the Australian honey bee industry build resilience and bounce back. “This funding is great news for our beekeepers and will help them get their buzz back…

Regional and rural pharmacies join vaccine roll-out

Select pharmacies across regional and rural NSW will begin administering the AstraZeneca jab as part of a pilot program to boost the vaccine rollout. The move is a win for the NSW Nationals in the state government, who have advocated strongly for regional communities. The 22 pharmacies, which will administer the COVID-19 vaccine from mid-July…

GM crop ban ends

Today marks an historic new opportunity for NSW farmers to increase their competitiveness and productivity, as the government lifts its ban on the use of Genetically Modified crops. NSW Nationals Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall has announced the lapse of the 18-year moratorium and said it would not be renewed, opening the door for the primary…