According to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website, the drought now consumes 11.2 per cent of the state.

The appointment of a NSW drought coordinator, whilst welcome, proves the Coalition government has missed the boat. I am sure farmers, graziers and rural communities are feeling somewhat disappointed.

I have spoken with many who were hoping the premier would announce financial support or subsidies for drought-stricken farmers, not just another layer of oversight. We already have the DPI, Local Land Services and Rural Assistance Authority to fulfil this role.

In the coming months, I will be attending the Cudal Drought Appeal which aims to raise funds for farmers who are gripped by drought, who struggle to feed their stock and maintain their livelihoods. The fundraiser will take place at the Cudal Showground on August 25.

For more information please contact Sam Whiteman on 0431621299 or at samwhiteman93@hotmail.com.

EVER since my election in 2016, the Orange community has provided overwhelming support for the establishment of a dedicated palliative care facility. I was honoured to have been asked to emcee the Orange Palliative Care Forum, hosted by Orange Push for Palliative Care group.

There were many issues discussed, including the latest developments around the proposed palliative hospice, progress with our partners at Dudley Private Hospital and Orange Health Service, and patient access to their general practitioners in the palliative care process.

I was joined by various guest speakers, who possess a wealth of knowledge in areas concerning palliative care, and all of whom brought outstanding ideas to the table.

Last year, I debated in the NSW Parliament a petition of over 10,000 signatures towards a specialist palliative care facility in Orange. The forum, along with the petition, have been steps in the right direction towards this establishment.

Palliative care is an issue that will affect everyone at some point in their life. With the ongoing support and cooperation between stakeholders, medical practitioners and community groups working with the Local Health District, I will continue to support the palliative care mission and lobby for this much needed facility here in Orange.

ORANGE’S domestic violence rates have been reported as double that of the state’s average.

Last week I delivered a question to the Minister for Family and Community Services, Social Housing and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward asking if she could provide an update into the proposed Core and Cluster funding project for the establishment of a domestic violence crisis centre in Orange.

I was pleased to see the Minister announce that $900,000 will go towards this facility.

As a former police prosecutor I was involved in literally thousands of DV cases and heard a significant amount of horror stories relating to the victims suffering from domestic violence. The establishment of the crisis centre will be a vital step towards combating this scourge.