The Hunter electorate will benefit from the Abbott Government’s commitment to build the infrastructure of the 21^st Century with more than $45 million for local projects announced in the 2014-15 Budget.

This is part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to invest a record $14.9 billion in productivity-enhancing infrastructure in New South Wales which will create thousands of jobs, slash travel times and boost economic growth.

Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the funding will support much needed infrastructure projects in Hunter.

“They will bring job opportunities, boost our local economy and make our roads safer for motorists.

$45 million has been allocated towards to the upgrade of the Scone Level Crossing of which $2 million will be for work to start next financial year.

The NSW Government will match the total funding.

The Richmond electorate will benefit from the Abbott Government’s commitment to build the infrastructure of the 21^st Century with more than $130 million for local projects announced in the 2014-15 Budget.

This is part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to invest a record $14.9 billion in productivity-enhancing infrastructure in New South Wales which will create thousands of jobs, slash travel times and boost economic growth.

Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says the funding will support much needed infrastructure projects in Richmond.

“They will bring job opportunities, boost our local economy and make our roads safer for motorists.

One in six Australians experience hearing loss.
A new website will assist people in Richmond who suffer from hearing loss receive the support they need sooner.
The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says the new website www.hearingservices.gov.au conveniently links people to their closest hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services program.
Senator Williams said with just a few clicks residents throughout Richmond can check their eligibility, access up to date information about hearing, what services are available and who provides them.

Young Australian school leavers in Hunter are being offered the chance to spend 12 months with the Australian Defence Force.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the Federal government has restored the ADF Gap Year program that had been introduced by the Howard government in 2007 but later axed by Labor.

Senator Williams said the program provides a flexible avenue of entry for young people to experience 12 months in the military without the obligation to make a longer commitment.

“From early next year, the Army will have Gap Year opportunities for riflemen, drivers, administration clerks and supply co-ordinators, and the Air Force will have opportunities in airbase security. It is expected the Navy will be part of the program in future years.

The fifth New South Wales Regional Dentistry Scholarship has been awarded to Jarrod Brice of Euston in the south-west of the State.

The scholarship is sponsored by the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams who will provide $4,800 of his own funds to assist Jarrod in his studies.

Jarrod has enrolled in the 1^st year of the Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Adelaide.

As part of his scholarship, Jarrod will receive mentoring support from experienced dental practitioner Dr. Christopher Cole who has also been a mentor to the four previous scholarship recipients Olivia Jom, Jessica Powell, Alayne White and Amelia Judson.

Councils and community groups in the Richmond electorate are now being invited to submit ideas for new projects under the Federal government’s Green Army program.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams has announced that applications are now being accepted until the 9^th of May.

He said the Green Army represents Australia’s largest-ever team supporting environmental action across the country, building to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.

 “In the first round we want projects that will be ready to start between the 1^st of July this year and the end of June next year.