State Government Investing $25 Million to Fix Dungog's Roads

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The State Government is investing $25 million dollars to upgrade roads in Dungog.

The Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole visited Dungog on Friday to make the announcement alongside the NSW Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell.

“This brand new $25 million funding package from the NSW Government will help Dungog Shire Council to tackle their $23.8 million maintenance backlog and get these roads back into prime condition, which this community deserves,” Mr Barilaro said.

Priorities for upgrades under the $25 million package will be determined by Dungog Shire Council in consultation with Transport for NSW.

“We know the roads across the Dungog Shire are not up to standard and a reliable road network is essential for a thriving region." 

“The NSW Government is righting Labor’s wrongs by reclaiming the management of thousands of kilometres of roads across the state to take the onus off councils and put it back on the Government.

“That process is underway, but it will take time, and in the interim, we will continue to invest in road networks across NSW, because an investment in local roads is an investment in the lives of the people who live in that community.”

Mr Toole said in the past 12 months, the NSW Government has invested more than $21 million in projects on Dungog’s local road network.

“Only last week, I was out near Vacy to see work underway on Summer Hill Road – one of four road upgrades we’re funding with more than $5.4 million from our Fixing Local Roads program,” Mr Toole said.

In the coming months, work will get underway on the first four of 23 ageing timber bridges on the local road network that will be replaced with modern structures, thanks to $16 million in funding through the Fixing Country Bridges program.

Hunter Residents Can Now Use their $100 Dine and Discover Vouchers

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter residents can now apply for and use their Dine and Discover vouchers from the State Government. 

NSW residents aged 18 and over can apply for 4 x $25 vouchers broken down into:

• 2 x $25 Dine NSW Vouchers to be used for dining in at restaurants, cafés, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs. These can be used from Monday to Thursday.
• 2 x $25 Discover NSW Vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues. These can be used 7 days a week.

The vouchers will be able to be redeemed through the use of a QR code on the Service NSW app.

Customers may present this to businesses as a digital voucher on their mobile device, or as a printed voucher. Both are valid. 

They can be used at businesses participating in the scheme, but cannot be used on public holidays. All vouchers expire on 30 June 2021.

They cannot be used for products or services involving alcohol, gambling or tobacco, cash, even if the full value of the voucher is not redeemed and online-only services, takeaway and food delivery orders. Apply online and search for participating businesses via Service NSW at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/dine-discover-nsw.

Anyone who cannot apply online can visit a Service NSW centre with two forms of ID or call 13 77 88.

Former Charlestown Church Turning into New Secondary School

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

The former Saint Alban's Anglican Church in Charlestown will be transformed into a brand-new secondary school.

The new Alesco Senior College Charlestown campus will welcome 60 students in years nine to 12.

 Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin said the new school will be a fantastic addition.

“ This is great news for young people who want to complete their Higher School Certificate in an adult learning environment with schooling programs tailored to their individual needs,” Mr Martin said.

 “We know traditional schooling isn’t suited to everyone so it’s important we cater for all students in the region.

 “The school will open doors for many young people in our community who may have otherwise decided not to complete secondary school, and there are even plans for a small Year 13 career program to help students prepare for life after school.

 “This project will deliver a high-quality learning environment for students with brand new facilities in an adaptive reuse of former church buildings.

 “At the same time, its delivery will inject more than $270,000 into the economy and create 25 much-needed construction jobs and five operational jobs once complete.”

 The new school will feature:

• A central learning area created within the former church hall that will house general learning areas, a computer room, staff room, welfare office, printing and storage rooms and staff amenities
• A multi-purpose school hall with student amenities
• Two courtyard areas to be used as outdoor learning areas

 Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks and will be completed in early 2021.