The NSW Government is looking to see examples of local communities joining forces to proactively build and strengthen resilience to natural disasters. Established in 2015, the NSW Get Ready Award focuses on the collaborative efforts of an entire community that has worked together and taken action to plan and prepare for when disaster strikes. Applications close May 31. Visit the website. 

‘It’s in your hands’! A $1.75 million campaign to tackle the flu season will urge people to get their jab early and clean their hands regularly to avoid a repeat of last year’s influenza epidemic. The 2018 flu campaign focuses on four simple measures to beat the bug, which affected more than 128,000 people in NSW last year. More than 650 people died in NSW from influenza last year. Like our campaign says it’s in your hands, so get your flu shot early, cough into your elbow not your hands, wash your hands regularly and stay at home if you are sick. The NSW Government will spend a record $22.75 million on immunisation programs in 2017-18, including $3.5 million for free flu shots to children up to five years of age.

As part of the 2018 campaign, UV light “germ detectors” will be set up at some transport hubs and shopping centres so people can test their hand cleanliness. Frequent hand washing is one of the first lines of defence against another flu epidemic, together with early vaccination. The World Health Organisation advises this year’s flu vaccine will be a better match to the four circulating strains and offer higher protection than last year. I urge people to get their flu jab when the vaccine is available in April to ensure they are protected ahead of time, as the vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective. Flu shots are free for pregnant women, children up to six years of age and people over 65 years of age, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/news-andevents/news/free-flu-vaccine-for-young-children/ 

Over the next few weeks I have the great privilege of delivering funding to some very worthy organisations as a part of the first round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF). The SCCF is investing in infrastructure projects in communities across the Bathurst Electorate to improve the lives of residents and enhance the attractiveness of these areas as vibrant places to live and work. I have already been out to Lithgow to deliver funding which will see the construction of a new Adventure Playground, much needed upgrades to the Lithgow Basketball Stadium and the Lithgow Tennis Centre, totalling over $1.37 million.

This week I have caught up with the amazing volunteers at Bathurst Riding for the Disabled and delivered $153,522 for much needed upgrades to their facility, as well as the Mountain Bike / BMX Club who have received $100,000 for amenities at their new track. This news has been met with much delight and I’m thrilled that we can provide funding for such great community benefit.

Round 2 of the fund is now open, closing 5pm Friday, May 4. Keep your eyes and ears peeled over the next few weeks to see some other exciting projects that are set to benefit from this fantastic program. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/improvingnsw/regional-nsw/regional-growth-fund/stronger-country-communities/.