Aboriginal businesses in NSW received $92 million in direct Government contracts in 2019-20. This soared to almost $480 million in 2021-22. The NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy came into effect in January 2021 with the aim for Aboriginal-owned businesses to be awarded at least 3 per cent of the total number of domestic contracts for goods and services issued by NSW Government agencies

Treasurer Matt Kean welcomed the increased volume of contracts with Aboriginal businesses as proof of the collaborative approach taken by the Government with Aboriginal community leaders. “The NSW Government is committed to driving greater partnership and shared decision-making with Aboriginal communities,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the policy’s success reflected the expertise and quality of the products and services provided by Aboriginal businesses in NSW. “The Aboriginal Procurement Policy had a target of 200 contracts worth a total of $136.7 million for the 2021-22 financial year. We can report there have been 694 contracts worth $479.6 million,” Mr Tudehope said. 

For information go to https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/aboriginal-procurement-policy.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $250 million to boost mobile reception in the bush in small communities, tourism hotspots and along key transport corridors through the Mobile Coverage Program. 

• The new program will target three key areas:

• Small regional communities with little tono existing coverage;

• Key transport corridors, where a boostto coverage can help drive increasedproductivity and improved safety; and

• Visitor economies where major eventsdraw large crowds.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government had already invested in more than 120 mobile towers across regional NSW to boost coverage in known blackspot areas.

“Our $250 million investment in this program shifts away from traditional ‘one tower, one provider’ model thinking in favour of a nation-leading approach to deliver shared infrastructure available for use by all carriers,” said Paul Toole.

The Mobile Coverage project is part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program and funded through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw

Star Annandale’s competition dish was a red rice coconut arancini with a mango filling, coconut wafer pandan pearls and mango gel.

Local apprentice chef, Star Annandale was recently selected as one of only 32 finalists Australia-wide to compete in the Proud To Be A Chef competition.

The local, 23 year old is employeed as an apprentice chef at the popular Club Forbes and was extremely honoured and proud to represent NSW in the competition.

Held in Victoria over four days, the thrilling competition involved tuition and paddock to plate experiences such as milking cows, farms visits, markets and various tastings in addition to dining experiences and cooking lessons with renowned Melbourne based chefs.

Participants received mentoring and competed in a ‘Master Chef’ style cookoff in which they were judged on their dishes. An absolute trip of a lifetime for any young, up and coming chef.

Speaking of her experience, Star said, “The whole opportunity to be part of the program was an experience that was truly rewarding in both knowledge and self growth.”

“It was amazing to have been able to experience beautiful food at up and coming restaurants with Melbourne’s best Chefs. It’s not something that often presents itself as an opportunity living in rural NSW,” said Star.

Star said her favourite part of the trip was milking a cow, learning where and how dairy products come from and where they are processed. She was inspired by the passion of the the dairy farmers towards the production of their products.

“Getting to know other people who are going through and sharing the same chefing journey I am, made me feel part of a bigger community,” said Star.

“I guess taking away from the program, I want to continue developing myself and refining my skills as a chef. I would like to do more in the community and give similar opportunities to others as this program gave to me,” said Star.

Club Forbes CEO, Adam McGregor said, “Star started over 12 months ago with us, after a few months she moved into the kitchen as an apprentice chef. Star has found her feet within this area of Club Forbes and proved herself a reliable employee willing to work hard and show initiative.”

“Our Head Chef Damian Scott is keen to mentor and provide opportunities for our staff to grow and learn. He encouraged Star to enter the Proud To Be A Chef competition. We are all so very proud of Stars efforts within the competition,” said Adam.

Star is pictured with the other finalists in the Proud to be a Chef competition.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway announced that the Central West community has secured close to $330,000 under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to upgrade two showgrounds across the electorate. 

Mr Farraway said the funding would support both the Canowindra and Trundle Showgrounds in making essential upgrades to their facilities. 

The local funding in Orange under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will provide $137,000 to the Trundle Showground for upgrades to the Sheep Pavilion, including the installation of a water tank and replacement of trees, providing much-needed improvements to this important community asset. 

“I am delighted to see the NSW Nationals delivering this funding to support the Central West community and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our region,” said Mr Farraway. 

The grants are part of $16.48 million being offered to support 264 projects on Crown land reserves across NSW to benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.