By Member for Dubbo Troy Grant
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I’m back in the electorate and travelling across the region after another sitting week of Parliament and hope that people continue to take care with the threat of further flooding and more rain to come.
Meeting with Indian Sub-Continental Group
I hosted representatives of the Indian Sub-Continental community for afternoon tea at my office last week and held some productive discussions about how we can create stronger links and promote our multi-cultural communities to encourage others to move to and settle in our regional towns and communities to enjoy the lifestyle and benefits that we all do.
I look forward to continuing these discussions with the Indian Sub-Continental community.
Grassroots People – High Level Achievers
After having the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in Dubbo recently and telling her of the great work being done here in the electorate, it was good to visit Murdi Paaki, to meet with the staff and students and to inspect the in house café, a new enterprise venture that’s allowing students to get a taste and feel for working in hospitality and running a business.
Additionally, I had the privilege of presenting Mr William Johnston with a certificate of service for his commitment to the community as a Justice of the Peace for 50 years and similarly, I presented Helen Simmons with a NSW Government State Representative award for her efforts in representing the State in Australian Dragon Boating Championships.
There’s plenty of good people and things in our area to be celebrating.
Cash for community halls
I have received advice from Essential Energy regarding their Community Support Program which allows community halls across the region to apply for donations of $200 to go towards to the general maintenance of these valuable community assets.
The program is now open and will close on Friday, November 11.
I encourage community halls and groups to apply for this one off donation by visiting www.essentialenergy.com.au/communitysupport or contacting David Crough on (02) 6701 7474.
Seeking mentors and leaders
Earlier this year I had the opportunity of meeting with local students and the regional coordinator of the Raise Foundation.
I learnt of the wok that Raise is undertaking with the youth in our region, providing advice, being a friend and mentor to young people that are in need of a boost in confidence, help with setting and achieving goals and engaging with education and employment.
The saying it takes a village to raise a child is very true, therefore the Raise foundation is currently on the lookout for mentors for its program next year and I recommend those with some time, the skills and the desire to lend a hand to the younger kids in our community consider putting their hand up to help out volunteering their time.
Fiona Simmons from the Raise Foundation can be contacted on 0418 971 272 or via mentor@raise.org.au if this is an opportunity you’d like to consider.
Holidays and Festivities
This week marks the beginning of the two week spring school holidays. I hope that everyone with kids takes the opportunity to have a break, travel safe on the roads and for those who aren’t getting time out, enjoy the long weekend.
You might even make a visit to Gulgong to check out the Chinese Gold Festival! A unique opportunity to learn more about the great history of the town, pan for gold and experience the country hospitality!