ARE YOU A COMMUNITY GROUP IN NEED OF FUNDING?
Expressions of Interest (EOls) are now being sought through my office for the latest round of the Stronger Communities Grants.
Funding of between $2,500 and $20,000 is available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations for things like community hall upgrades, changeroom facilities and other smaller infrastructure projects that benefit our community.
EOIs close at midnight on November 1, so make sure you get your application in before then!
Visit patconaghan.com.au/strongercommunities for more information and to apply today.
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SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT: BALL'S BUTCHERY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS
For 75 years, Ball's Butchery has been serving up quality meat and seafood to the Macleay Valley and beyond.
A proud family business, the torch has been passed down through each new generation. I always make a point to stop in and say g'day to brothers Geoff & Grahame whenever I'm in South West Rocks. Not just for the fresh cuts, but also a good laugh. I don't think I've ever seen these boys without a smile on their faces and a cheeky bit of local knowledge. Always makes my day.
And recently I took the opportunity to check out the latest addition to the SWR store as well, at the Providore/Supermarket. With eggs, herbs, spices, oils and more the store has you covered with the perfect additions to accompany your meat and seafood. And the best part? The products are sourced through other Mid North Coast producers and suppliers. Gotta love that.
Cheers to another 75 years of Balls! 🍻
Balls Butchery and Providore
📍13 Paragon Avenue, South West Rocks
#ballsbutchery #southwestrocks #macleayvalley #madeinthemacleay #freshproduce #shoplocal #supportlocal #gotballs
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FUEL PRICE SHIELD TO PROTECT REGIONAL AUSTRALIA ⛽
Over the past couple of weeks my office has been inundated with requests from families and farmers to do something about the sky rocketing fuel prices that are hitting regional Aussies harder.
The Nationals have a plan to protect regional motorists from major fuel price shocks.
If oil prices average above US$100 a barrel for more than two weeks, we'll halve the fuel excise, saving motorists up to 27 cents per litre, or about $15 a tank.
The Fuel Price Shield would also reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero, providing additional relief for truckies and freight operators when global oil prices are at their highest.
Our Fuel Price Shield will provide automatic relief at the bowser when global oil prices surge, helping Regional Australians keep more money in their pockets when they need it most.
#fuelpriceshield #costoflivingmeasure #nationalsplan
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SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT: THOMPSON BRUSHES
Every time I get to visit a local manufacturer, I walk away impressed. And Thompson Brushes genuinely exceeded all my expectations.
I was fortunate enough to have a site visit and tour of the facility with General Manager Damien Mani a little while back and got to see first hand how this local business is evolving and expanding to meet customer demands and create entirely new markets, devising cutting edge solutions to common construction and industrial problems.
Established in 1976 by founder Ken Thompson, Thompson Brushes specialises in the production of a wide range of industrial brushes, including custom solutions tailored to meet specific client requirements. Whether for cleaning, surface finishing, or other specialised applications, the experienced team will create the right product for the job.
In recent years, Damien has spearheaded a move into recycled soft plastic solutions, including for use in concrete. Aside from the obvious sustainability benefits, the specialised material adds flexibility and impact resistance, which helps prevent sudden shattering under stress. Great for footpaths, for instance!
It's wonderful to see a locally owned and run business not only thriving but employing and training our young people and inspiring the next generation of engineers. Legends!
📍2 Uralla Road, Port Macquarie
#localmanufacturing #portmacquarie #thomsponsbrushes #EngineeringSolutions #smallbusiness #supportlocal #chatwithpat
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SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT: ELARA WOMEN & CHILDREN'S CLINIC👩⚕️🤰👶
Today's highlight is the Elara Women & Children's Clinic in beautiful Sawtell.
Doctor Rebecca Tallis (better known as Dr Beck) opened the practice a year ago this September, and I've got to say she's created something pretty special. The refurbished 'beach shack' feels more like a home than a state-of-the-art medical facility, and that's exactly the feeling Beck and her team aimed to achieve.
Focussing solely on women and children, Beck recognised the need for a specialised provider. The clinic's services range from general paediatrics to Fertility, Antenatal and Postnatal care, perimenopause and menopause as well as gynaecology and sexual health.
Since opening the doors, the clinic has provided ongoing clinical support to hundreds of local women and children in need.
In fact, Dr Beck was recently recognised as the Coffs Harbour Electorate 2026 Local Woman of the Year for her ground breaking approach, an accolade that is so well deserved.
We need more Dr Becks right across the electorate! Let's hope her successful clinic attracts them. 🤞🏼
📍145 First Avenue, Sawtell, NSW 2452
#supportlocal #regionalhealth #womenshealth #childrenshealth #drbeck
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SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT: BUCKET BREWERY🍻
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, there are few better things than enjoying a masterfully crafted local beer in a relaxed setting. So, today's shout out goes to Bucket Brewery in South Kempsey!
Owners Sam and Amanda Preston launched their home-grown beer brand in 2015, eventually transforming the old Cavanagh bus depot a couple of years later into a relaxed 'cellar door' experience where visitors could come and see how their award winning beer was made and grab a few takeaways.
Since then, the venue has continued to expand and gain popularity. With live music, food trucks and event bookings, the humble brewery has become a tourist draw card.
I'll admit, it's a favourite end-of-day pit stop when I'm in the Macleay. A wonderful family run and owned business serving up great quality beer made from local ingredients. And if you're not in Kempsey, don't worry, Bucket Beer is available in top restaurants and retailers right across the Mid North Coast. A testament to Sam & Amanda's hard work.
📍2 Prince St, South Kempsey NSW 2440
#smallbusiness #supportlocal #madeinthemacleay #kempsey #localbeer #bucketbrewery
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