Numerous Australian bus and coach operators have announced the start of new services as part of a revamped New South Wales TrainLink network.

CDC secured four new seven-year contracts covering nine routes across Victoria, regional NSW and Canberra.

These contracts form part of an uplift to NSW TrainLink coach services announced by the NSW government in May. Commencing on July 1, CDC, alongside other operators, has started running services across the NSW TrainLink coach network.

CDC’s Victorian business CDC Victoria will operate one of the new contracts, covering one route with four services, strengthening connections between Broken Hill, Mildura and surrounding regional communities. Operating between Broken Hill and Mildura, these services will run twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays from commencement, as part of the new seven-year contract.

CDC’s regional NSW operations, through CDC NSW and CDC Canberra, will operate the other three contracts covering eight routes in regional NSW across the Far North Coast, North West Slopes and Southern NSW, including key corridors such as Tweed Heads to Casino, Ballina and Moree to Grafton, Queanbeyan and Young to Yass, Goulburn and Jindabyne to Canberra as well as Narrabri, Burren Junction and Wee Waa.

WEE Waa Lions Club hosted its changeover dinner on 23 June, with special tributes to the late Noel Holland, a Wee Waa Lion, and the late Rob Gilbert, a Narrabri Lion.

A minute’s silence was held in recognition of both men, honouring their decades of service to the community, their loyalty to Lions and their unwavering dedication to the volunteer activities and initiatives the groups have supported over the years.

Narrabri Lions Rod Onus and John McPherson attended the dinner, held at Wee Waa Bowling Club, showing support for their neighbouring club and playing a few friendly tricks and jokes to keep the Wee Waarians on their toes.

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Rising concern about the impact of the fuel crisis on local tourism has prompted the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to urge city residents to continue with their plans to visit regional NSW over the Easter holiday.  

Local tourism operators are reporting a bump in Easter cancellations against a backdrop of lower overall bookings in March this year compared to the same time last year. 

“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” said Mr Butler.  

“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours. 

“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too.