The funds are thanks to the State and Federal governments' Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and it will see the saleyards receive a much-needed infrastructure upgrade.

It all took place in the middle of a cattle sale at the saleyards and I hope the farmers didn't mind us interrupting the sale to announce this wonderful news.

Doctors for South West Rocks

Recently I wrote about the advocacy that council has been conducting to challenge the obstacles that stand in the way of our shire attracting more doctors.

A key issue in South West Rocks was the removal of the Distribution Priority Area classification which is a status granted by the Federal Government which makes it far easier to recruit international medical graduates.

I am now delighted to confirm that from August 1 this classification will be reinstated for South West Rocks. It's an important step on our community's long road to improving our level of health care.

Council's Community Grants round 2

Sometimes the community itself is in the best position to make a difference and this idea is the very backbone of council's Community Grants Program.

Our Community Grants Program provides funding for projects run by community, sporting, youth and environment groups. After a great first year under the new structure the program will be back in 2021-22, ready to help the many important services across the shire that are best offered by community organisations.

Council staff will host sessions in the coming weeks to assist interested groups in application writing and to answer any questions you may have.

Applications open in August, so stay tuned for more information on council's Community Grants Program by visiting ksc.pub/community-grants

The first sewing machine in the Macleay

Kempsey Waste Management Centre on the grow

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