Hosting events in the Dubbo electorate not only delivers important economic and community benefits to our region but helps to put our region on the map. Whether organisers are after assistance for marketing, public relations, venue hire or attendee research, the 2017/18 Incubator Event Fund provides those staging an event, for its first or second time, with a platform to help attract more visitors to destinations in rural and regional NSW, such as our local communities in the electorate.

We know regional events play an important role in growing our local economy, and I encourage event organisers to learn more about this wonderful NSW Government opportunity which is now on offer. Applications for Round One are open until October 1 with Round 2, set to open in February next year for events held in July to December 2018. visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep. The Incubator Event Fund is part of the Regional Flagship Events Program which also includes the Flagship Event Fund and Event Development Fund.

The NSW Government-backed Jobs for NSW will target small and medium sized businesses in Dubbo with new interest-free loans to help regional businesses grow and create jobs. The new Regional Growth Loan is part of a new range of loans ranging from $200,000 to $1.2 million. These loans are now available to businesses in the electorate of Dubbo to invest in their business, driving growth and job creation.

This is great news for businesses and for our local economy as a whole and It is great to see regional businesses getting their fair share, with access to interest free loans of between $200,000 and $500,000 for up to four years.

Jobs for NSW have allocated 30 per cent of the $190 million to our regions, and these loans will help to address the barriers businesses in regional NSW might face in accessing affordable finance. This is a case of the NSW government providing funding to regional businesses where traditional lenders are unable to assist. Visit www.jobsfornsw.com.au

Local sports clubs are being invited to apply for grants of up to $20,000 with the focus this year is encouraging more talented girls and young women into sport programs. Around half of all Australian boys are active through a sports club during their childhood compared with just 33 per cent of girls, and the participation rate for girls drops sharply after girls turn 12.

“I encourage all local clubs and sporting organisations to use this opportunity to boost their female programs and events.”

Thousands of local clubs across the State are now eligible to apply for funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program. The grants will cover initiatives such as new sport programs, upgrades to facilities or projects that improve participation in sport.

“From the bush to the city, sport is the lifeblood that unites communities. This is not just about female programs though, I encourage all sporting groups to apply for grants that will help people of all ages and abilities get involved in their local club or become more active.”

Grants are now open until October 6. The NSW Government has announced that rural and regional events held from January to June next year, can now apply for grants under Round One of next year’s 2018 Incubator Event Fund. Visit sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants or phone 13 13 02.

Til next week, Troy.