I was glad to make the most of the first week now that Parliament has finished for the year, with a visit to Eumungerie last Monday. I enjoyed lunch at the Drovers Dog Tavern, inspected the Eumungerie and District Recreation Ground following fencing, lighting and clubhouse upgrades, funded by state and council grants, then made my way across the road to the Eumungerie Public School. I always enjoy talking to the students and teachers of wonderful little schools like that one.

Last week a new campaign was launched aimed at boosting the employment of people with a disability in the Dubbo electorate. I had the privilege of welcoming the launch of the 2016 Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, as it seeks to mobilise and inspire people with a disability, and the broader community, by highlighting the career successes of people with disability.

The theme for the 2016 campaign is “I can, I am.”

One of the NSW Government’s priorities is to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and assist them in realising their potential. This year’s campaign brings to life the employment stories of four people in film.

The videos provide an inside view to their individual experiences in the workplace and about the work that inspires them. They illustrate that no matter what the circumstances, with the right support, a person with a disability can find the right job for them.

I would like to encourage everyone in our community to engage with and spread the important message of this campaign. The campaign runs from November 21 until December 11 2016, and is timed to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December 2016.

To learn more about the campaign and current events or find out about your employment options as a job seeker or an employer, please visit www.dontdismyability.com.au

The NSW Government is doing their part to ensure that this antisocial behaviour is being addressed in our community.

Last Tuesday I welcomed a NSW Government grant of $1,000 to three local Domestic Violence Committees in the area, as part of the 2016 Local Domestic and Family Violence Committee Grants which supports projects that raise awareness about domestic and family violence.                 

The grants will provide assistance to the invaluable work of the Dubbo Violence Prevention Collective, Narromine Domestic Violence Committee and the Forbes Domestic Violence Committee.  

Through raising awareness about the devastating impact of domestic and family violence, reinforcing messages about positive behaviours and increasing awareness of services available in the area.

The Dubbo and Narromine Domestic Violence Committees used funds to promote the Men’s White Ribbon Poster and High Heel Run. The Forbes Domestic Violence Committee continued with their Love Bites program in the lead up to last Friday’s White Ribbon Day.

On Thursday, it was announced that the new Plain English Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO) will roll out statewide on 3 December so perpetrators have no excuses for not understanding the orders.

The new ADVOs use clear and simple language so there is no excuse for a domestic violence perpetrator to breach an order.

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that one in five ADVOs are breached, and the NSW Government is making it clear – any breach in an unacceptable risk.

The new ADVOs are designed to put a stop to violence, intimidation and harassment through a clear explanation of what a perpetrator can and cannot do under the order.

The new ADVO is also being translated into 29 different languages to assist people whose first language is not English.

In addition, the penalties for breaching an order, including up to two years in prison, have been moved to the top of the document so it’s now the first thing perpetrators see.

If you have witnessed domestic violence, if you’ve noticed the behaviour of a family member , friend or colleague change, or if you have concerns for the welfare of someone in your neighbourhood please pick up the phone and report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Outstanding tourism businesses from across NSW were honoured on Thursday night as the winners of the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the NSW Tourism Awards Night at Luna Park Sydney.

The Dubbo electorate was represented in three categories with Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Reset your senses in Mudgee Region being named 2016 Gold Winners.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo took out two awards, being successful in the Tourist Attractions and Unique Accommodation categories, as well as being inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame. Reset your senses in Mudgee Region claimed the gold in the Destination Marketing category.

Our region has so much on offer for domestic and international visitors and I am delighted that our wonderful tourism products were recognised at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards.

This is a true testament to the quality of products and experiences that are produced in our region that continuously draw people back year after year.