Our police officers go to work each day not knowing what they will confront in the line of duty, or whether they will return home safely at the end of their shift.

On this day in particular, it is important that we acknowledge those officers that have lost their lives as a result of a policing career. But we must also pay respect to the men and women in blue who work tirelessly to keep us safe from harm every day, never taking their contribution to the community for granted.

If you see an officer out on the beat this week, please stop and thank them for the work they do. From me, a huge thank you to not only the police officers that make our towns and cities safer, but to their families that sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice for the commitment these wonderful people give. I salute you.

Following a two year trial and comprehensive review, NSW Parliament has passed legislation to give retailers, employees and consumers the freedom to trade, work and shop on Boxing Day. T

he legislation also provides strict safeguards to protect workers, with retailers who force staff to work on December 26 facing fines of up to $11,000 per employee. A review of the reforms will occur in October 2019 to further assess. Visit www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/media-releases

A reminder that Local Sport Grant applications close next Friday, October 6. The grants will cover initiatives such as new sport programs, upgrades to facilities or projects that improve participation in sport.

This years focus is on encouraging female participation and is a great opportunity to apply for funding that can help with much needed upgrades or improvements. Visit www.sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants or phone 13 13 02.

Organisations working in the disability support sector are being urged to apply for new Business Acceleration grants being offered by the NSW Government. The new $19 million Disability Sector Scale-Up (DSSU) program will help NSW businesses prepare for and make the most of the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS has the potential to double the size of the disability support sector in NSW from around $3.4 billion to $6.8 billion over the next two years. This creates huge and exciting opportunities for local businesses and other organisations working in the disability sector to scale-up and expand their offering.

Applications for the first tranches of small, medium and large (up to $2 million) Business Acceleration grants are now open, and businesses, non-government organisations, peak bodies and consortiums can apply and find more information by visiting www.tenders.nsw.gov.au.

Quad bikes are potential killers, but thanks to a NSW Government initiative help is at hand to drive down the alarming statistics. Since 2001, more than 230 people have lost their life in quad bike-related accidents on Australian farms.

Local Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said SafeWork NSW is offering eligible farmers two rebates, of up to $1,000 each, to help improve safety around quad bikes. Free training is also available. The program was developed and aimed at farmers and farm workers due to the unacceptably high rate of injuries and fatalities that occur on NSW farming workplaces each year.