The importance of our Anzac history is not lost on me, especially with our community’s proud legacy from being part of the Coo-ee March in World War I. Locals joined a movement to enlist that made its way from Gilgandra to Molong, to Orange, to Blayney and all the way to Sydney.
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Take a moment to appreciate the sacrifice many of these people – and their families at home – gave so that we can enjoy the rights and freedoms we have today.
DELIGHT AS GREYHOUND RACING BAN REPEALED
After sustained protests from greyhound owners, supporters, and across rural New South Wales, Parliament has passed a repeal of the greyhound racing industry ban. Legislation included details of a new integrity commission, greater penalties for animal cruelty and changes to registration of dogs.
My Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party colleagues and I want to see the industry has a sustainable and financially-viable future – but we’re concerned that the $41 million on offer from the Government is not enough to keep the industry going.
Our amendments in the Upper House were blocked by the National Party and the Liberal Party, siding with The Greens and the Animal Justice Party.
These would have provided the $150 million over the first 5 years to greyhound racing to help them meet new regulations (the same amount that’s stripped from their profits and given to horse racing under the inter-code agreement), and mandated an inquiry to determine the future needs of the industry.
Only time will tell us whether the industry will continue or whether this is a stealthy ban by over-regulation and under-funding.
HEADSPACE CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY
Last week was the first birthday of Headspace Orange. The celebration they held was a great opportunity to hear from service providers including Barnados, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Sydney University School of Medicine, and Uniting.
Headspace provides a fantastic mental health service for young people age 12 to 25. Located at 264 Peisley Street, the service is open Monday to Friday. Give them a call if you or an adolescent you know might be in need of support.
LOCAL SPORTING GRANTS
Congratulations to Trundle Junior Cricket Association for their successful application under the Local Sport Grant Program for $2500 to fund new cricket equipment. After coaching junior cricket in Orange for the past few years, it was great to get involved in a net session with the young people who enjoy the facilities.
Bogan Gate Golf Club also deserve congratulations for their successful application under the same program. The $4300 in funding has helped club to purchase a new ride-on mower, which I was lucky enough to take for a quick spin.
PALLIATIVE CARE WORKING GROUP
Mr Donato on Monday announced the formation of a working group focused on establishing a dedicated palliative care service in Orange.
Coordinated, effective palliative care is a vitally important part of any modern healthcare system, whether you live in the country or city. Without a facility set aside for palliative care and staffed by specialist nurses and doctors in Orange, many locals have been left feeling disillusioned and ignored by the government.
With these concerns in mind, I have formed a working group including doctors, nurses and community stakeholders which will meet regularly to develop a model suitable for our electorate’s needs.
I also intend to have this issue debated in the NSW Parliament through the introduction of a local petition calling for a designated palliative care area at the Orange Health Service and a hospice.
