Regional Education Minister Andrew Gee

More support to study in regional Australia

Students are being encouraged to study in regional Australia, with the third round of the NSW Nationals in the federal government’s Destination Australia scholarship program now open. Regional universities and vocational education providers can apply to offer scholarships at their institutions for up to $15,000 per student a year, and for qualifications ranging from a…

Nats in government continue Griffith hospital redevelopment

The $250 million redevelopment of Griffith Base Hospital is a step closer, with NSW Health Infrastructure lodging the State Significant Development application for the work. The hospital will provide the Griffith area with: an expanded Emergency Department; a significant increase in aged care and rehabilitation beds; operating theatres, surgical, and medical inpatient units; maternity, medical…

Nats in high spirits with bush jobs boost

The expansion of an award-winning craft distillery in the Upper Hunter is the first of 23 projects being backed by the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro has met the owners of Magpie Distilling at the White Hart Hotel in Murrurundi…

Disaster relief extended for flood-affected communities

The NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments have announced additional assistance for communities affected by February’s devastating floods. Recovery grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses and $75,000 for primary producers are now available in Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, and Richmond Valley. Previously, support was available for communities impacted by…

Record school budgets are for students, say Nats

NSW Nationals Education Minister Sarah Mitchell is cracking down on schools that don’t spend their funding on students. The new rules for public school principals mean they must spend all their record education funding on the students it is intended for. “Public schools in NSW are better funded than at any point in history,” Ms…

Layzell outlines plans to fix Dungog roads

NSW Nationals candidate for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell and NSW Nationals Regional Transport Minister Paul Toole have met Dungog Shire Council officials to outline how the NSW Nationals in Government plan to continue to assist in fixing local roads and bridges. Mr Layzell said local roads have been a massive issue for Dungog Shire for…

Bronnie Taylor

Nats deliver fee-free trade training for women

The NSW Nationals in the state government will support 3000 fee-free training places for women in trades to help boost female representation in construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics. The fee-free Built For Women program will target women aged 16 to 24, as well as female jobseekers, women at risk of unemployment, and women in…

New Queanbeyan police station open for business

The new $31 million Queanbeyan Police Station has officially opened following a formal ceremony attended by Deputy Premier and Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM. Mr Barilaro said the new station is a substantial commitment into regional infrastructure and the Monaro Police District. “The safety of our community is…