The funding is in addition to the $5 million already granted. This is wonderful news for our region and I would like to thank the State Government for its support and State Member for Bathurst Paul Toole for his commitment.

The Penrith Panthers are in town, bringing all the excitement of the NRL to our region. I’m pleased the club members can take the time out of their training schedules to get involved to meet the community to share their stories, skills and experiences.

The athletes are role models for many children, representing their hopes and dreams, and to meet their heroes in person would be an experience they would never forget.

For details on the upcoming game or community activities, please visit www.bathurstnrl.com.au

The main street improvement fund is paying dividends as improvements around the CBD are beginning to show, including a new paint scheme on the Wishbone Chicken heritage building to match the adjoining building.

The main street improvement fund provides the opportunity to capitalise on our history and heritage and to ensure we continue to have a vibrant retail sector that reflects our architectural past.

For more information on upcoming grant opportunities, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/council/council/grants-and- donations.html

THE announcement of a comprehensive package of measures giving first home buyers in the Bathurst electorate a fair go at purchasing their own home is exciting news.

The most significant part of this package is the reduction of stamp duty and provision of more housing choices.

These far-reaching changes could save first home buyers up to $34,360.

While there are no easy solutions when it comes to housing affordability, residents who are saving to purchase their own home will benefit greatly from these reforms.

Stamp duty is a hurdle for first home buyers, so to give residents a fair go we will abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers on properties costing up to $650,000 and provide stamp duty discounts on properties up to $800,000.

To better meet demand, we also need more homes built in the right areas and with improved infrastructure. To achieve this, we will provide access to $3 billion from Government, councils and developers.

Out of school hours care

AN expansion to the criteria for the $20 million Before and After School Care Fund is a great opportunity for not-for-profits to apply for the $30,000 grants on offer.

The expansion means extra support to help community spaces offer out-of-school hours care and ease the burden in areas of high demand.

Grants from the fund can be used for site modification and fit-out costs, project management, or to pay for necessary equipment to support new or expanded services. Visit www.dec.nsw.gov.au/our-services/children-and-youth/out-of-hours-school-caregrant

Rural health petition

AS you may be aware, Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University are advocating strongly for a Murray Darling Medical School (MDMS).

The advocacy process for the MDMS is at a critical juncture, and CSU is asking for local support. A change petition has been launched: visit www.change.org/p/treasuer-scott-morrison-bring-doctors-to-regional-australia-bysupporting-the-murray-darling-medical-school