More rural crime officers will soon be rounding up sheepish thieves across the state as a number of new specialist investigators join the ranks. 

An 18 extra Rural Crime Investigators (RCIs) will be deployed across regional NSW to target country crime, including stock theft, illegal hunting, stealing, trespass and firearms offences. 

Rural crime is unique and could have a devastating impact on the state’s farmers, so it is important to have officers specially trained to investigate these issues. 

Cattle and sheep theft cost our farmers at least $3 million last year alone with more than 20,000 animals reported stolen to police – and that’s not even accounting for the loss of breeding potential, or more valuable stud stock. 

It is cowardly for criminals to target farmers, some of whom already have to downsize and take on secondary employment to survive the crippling drought.

New funding for veteran projects

THE Community War Memorials Fund ensures all communities in the Bathurst electorate can preserve the Anzac legacy for generations to come. The CWMF provides grants of up to $10,000 to protect and conserve war memorials, including statues, honour rolls and halls, which commemorate the Anzac legacy. 

The Anzac Community Grants Program provides grants of up to $2000 to local organisations to recognise Australia’s war service history, educate a new generation and support the veteran community in NSW.

I encourage all communities who believe their local memorial needs conservation or protection to apply.

Applications for the CWMF are open until Anzac Day, Thursday, April 25. For more information, visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund.

Celebrate the 2019 NSW Seniors festival in Bathurst

A number of local events will be on offer to Bathurst seniors during the Senior’s Week Festival, which runs from 13 February to 24 February. I encourage all seniors to discover what the Festival has to offer.

There are wonderful local events being held with something for everyone to try The theme for this year’s Festival is “Love Your Life” and I encourage seniors to get involved and enjoy the opportunities on offer. It is a time to celebrate, make new friends and share new experiences.

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 500,000 people set to take part. In addition to the local events the Premier’s Gala Concerts will be held on February 14-15 at the International Convention Centre Sydney alongside the Seniors Festival Expo.

The Expo is free and open to the public, and will include more than 50 interactive exhibitors. NSW Seniors Festival will run from February 13-24. For more information about the two events in the Bathurst Electorate and other activities happening across NSW during the Festival, please visit www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au. 

Energy rebates for seniors

I welcome the announcement that around 130,000 self-funded retirees will be able to claim $200 a year to help with their power bills. The rebates will be available to customers who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card through Service NSW centres and online from July 1.

Pensioners and veterans already benefit from rebates under our $285 Low Income Household Rebate, and this new program will ensure seniors across NSW who have worked hard for their retirement will have much-needed hip-pocket relief now too.

For more information on this scheme go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-lowincome-household-rebate-supply-customers. 

Best regards, The Hon. Paul Toole MP