Related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Regional businesses help produce vital supplies

A leading regional business is making a big contribution to the fight against COVID-19, producing millions of litres of a crucial hand sanitiser ingredient. The family-owned Manildra Group has announced it is expanding its state-of-the-art regional distillery to produce an additional 90 million litres of ethanol. “We’ve been operating our world-class distillery round-the-clock to increase…

Grafton Hospital upgrade nearing completion

The new $17.5 million Grafton Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre is on track to be completed by middle of this year despite disruption from the coronavirus, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced. “In fact, the builders are addressing the COVID-19 situation and have introduced precautionary measures to ensure a safe workplace for all involved…

Transforming streets and public spaces

NOTE: Image taken prior to social distancing restrictions Communities are encouraged to come up with ideas to transform local streets into shared public spaces as part of a program to increase places for people to safely walk, cycle or exercise. NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the new $15 million Streets as…

New payment to help seniors stay safe in aged care

An additional COVID-19 specific support package totalling $205 million will help seniors remain safe and healthy in aged care. Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the additional funding as it will help all Commonwealth-funded residential aged care providers protect our elderly loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic. “Senior Australians are highly vulnerable to…

Country courthouses get makeovers

The NSW Nationals in Government are investing $9 million to improve regional courthouses to help boost local economies during the pandemic. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro said the package included improvements to 63 regional courthouses, with upgrades to fire safety and security, as well as structural repairs and general maintenance. “The NSW…

Mark Coulton

Rural Aussies urged to seek medical care during COVID-19

Federal Nationals Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton is urging Australians to keep their health in check during the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to seek medical treatment and care. Chairing the fifth special rural health COVID-19 roundtable with key rural and indigenous health stakeholders, Mr Coulton heard reports of people delaying accessing essential health care and…

Regional Express restarts local flights

Regional Express (Rex) has announced it will restart regional services in Grafton, Lismore and Ballina with the help of the Federal Nationals in Government. Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program provided assistance to maintain a minimal weekly schedule to regional areas. “Rex was eligible to receive…

Bill relief for energy customers

NOTE: Image taken prior to social distancing restrictions. Households struggling to pay their energy bills during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic now have access to additional financial support thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government. The support, available directly through Service NSW and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, is thanks to a $30…