After another week in Parliament I’m looking forward to spending most of my time this week in the electorate, especially given that Dubbo will host the Artlands Conference from Thursday through to Sunday.

Recently I provided advice about the Local Sport Grant Program. This program provides a great opportunity for the community and local sporting groups to apply for funding up until November 11. The program will provide $50,000 per electorate for local sports club projects. For information visit www.sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport or contact my electorate office.

I received a briefing from Telstra in the last fortnight with an update on the telcos plans to close the 2G (GSM) mobile phone service down on 1 December 2016, meaning that if you use this service you’ll no longer be able to make or receive telephone calls or send and receive text messages.

While there aren’t too many people still using this particular service I am aware that it will affect some members of the community and it’s important that those who are going to be affected plan for the transition to the faster and improved 3G and 4G services offered by a range of telco providers.

For more information on the closure of the network please make contact with Telstra on 1800 718 650 or 13 22 00.

The NSW Government is on track to deliver the long awaited container deposit scheme with the Bill allowing this to happen passing through the Parliament last week.

Everyone in the community will be able to participate by receiving a 10-cent refund on eligible containers from July 1 next year and this will make a massive difference to our environment, parks and waterways.

The passage of the Bill to implement the scheme has now fulfilled a key election commitment, and would help meet the Premier’s Priority goal of reducing litter in NSW by 40 per cent by 2020.

More information is available at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/container-deposit-scheme. 

Last week the State Treasurer, Gladys Berejiklian announced proposed changes to 227 boards, committees and other entities as part of the government’s attempt to eliminating duplication, with the majority of bodies identified having overlapping functions or ceasing to serve their original purpose.

It’s important to note that there will be no public service job losses as a result of these changes but will eventually save taxpayers $40 million a year.

I know that the community want to see hard earned tax dollars spent where it is needed most – not on government bodies that have passed their used-by date.

I encourage those who are interested in this proposal to have their say through the public consultation process that is taking place during November by visiting www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au or by contacting my electorate office./.

Not only am I proud as the local member that the Artlands Conference is being held in the Dubbo this week, I am immensely pleased to advise that $17,141 in funding through the Country Arts Support Program has been approved for organisations and events in the Dubbo electorate.

Successful projects include $3,000 for the Mudgee Men’s Shed for their Fotogeriatrics program, $3,000 to Westhaven in Dubbo for the anticipated “A Door to My Life” and $3000 to the Stuart Town Advancement Association to go towards the Man from Ironbark Performers.