More than 50,000 regional apprentices and trainees can now apply for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative would help ease budget pressures for apprentices, trainees and university students in the bush.

“We know that young people in our regions are faced with greater travel costs than those in the city, often having to travel long distances to work or training,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“This card will reduce travel costs by providing a $250 boost to the budgets of young apprentices and trainees in the bush, covering the cost of fuel, taxis and public transport.

“Slashing travel costs will make a real difference to young people in the bush who clock up the miles travelling to work or to university.

“This $250 hip pocket bonus for regional apprentices and trainees is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Successful applicants will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks. 

Around 51,000 regional apprentices and trainees, aged between 16 and 66, can start taking up this offer right now by applying through Service NSW and save $250 on fuel, taxis and public transport to help with the cost of traveling to work or study.

Applications for university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confirmed. Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card. 

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is helping Parkes Shire Council be better prepared to create opportunities in the community thanks to a $186,562 grant from the Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program will provide funding that will enable the Parkes Shire to engage experts to investigate new project ideas and assist with funding applications.

“Investing in the liveability of our regional communities is crucial for their sustainable growth and success,” Mr Farraway said.

“With this funding, Parkes Shire Council will be able to develop a comprehensive strategy that identifies key projects and infrastructure requirements to support our skilled workforce and industries.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regions are bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies, and attract investment.

“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning and this program will help take great ideas and concepts a step closer to reality, benefiting entire communities,” Mr Toole said.

“This is about helping make business cases stand out and be more competitive, it will help break down project costs, outline how projects will benefit the community and identify any challenges that need to be met.

The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund. For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/BusinessCaseFund

We are excited to share an update from Parkes Christian School student Marnie Noakes, who is on a 12 month student exchange program in Germany. 

It’s Marnie here. Here’s a brief overview of the my first month in Germany: 

It is very cold, mostly around minus 4 degrees. Within the first few days of being here I even had to go and buy special snow boots. We have played in the snow and built a snowman. 

I have visited two castles. One is up on a hill opposite my school, and the other is called the Residence which is where the Prince Bishop of Würzburg lived. 

On my first weekend here we went to a wool shop. I have also been to the opera, out for lunch to a traditional German restaurant, to an animal park and for a horse riding lesson with my host sister. 

I played laser tag with my new class and then we went back to school for pizza. I went bowling with my host sister and her youth group and I have watched lots of movies and TV series with my host sisters and host family. 

I went to work with my host mum, who is a teacher, and I spoke to four different english classes about my life in Australia, where I live, my family and my pets. 

I enjoy going on walks with my host family. We went to the city center and saw some very cool historical sites. I also watched the Carnival parade, a German festival, with one of my host mums colleagues and her daughter; they are very nice. 

I’m making lots of friends and my host family is amazing. I’m enjoying it so much, learning heaps and having a great time! 

Kind regards Marnie 

Applications are now open for the inaugural $10,000 Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize – a new annual award within the prestigious NSW Premier’s History Awards.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott said the establishment of the award highlighted the importance of recording our military history to honour and remember our veterans.

“Capturing our military history is vital in ensuring future generations are educated on the service and sacrifice of Australians in armed conflicts,” Mr Elliott said.

“I encourage all historians with an interest in our military history to apply for this award as it will help future generations learn about and understand the bravery, dedication and legacy of our veterans,” Mr Elliott said.

The Military History Prize is for a work of non-fiction on the involvement of Australians in wars, campaigns, battles and/or peacekeeping operations which are represented in the Anzac Memorial’s Hall of Service. 

For more information: www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/nsw-premiers-history-awards