PHIL DONATO MP Giday MEMBER FOR ORANGE Licensed firearm dealers across NSW - many of them small, family-run businesses in regional communities are facing significant financial pressure following the rapid introduction of new firearms legislation late last year. Since these changes came into effect, local operators have reported substantial reductions in trade, with declines in sales and stock turnover placing real strain on their ability to meet ongoing costs such as wages, insurance, leases and inventory commitments. I have been contacted by a number of businesses across the Orange electorate who are doing it tough, particularly in the current cost-of-living environment. These are law-abiding small businesses that play an important role in our regional economy, and they deserve fair consideration. I am calling on the NSW Government to introduce a targeted support package to assist licensed firearm dealers manage the financial impacts of these legislative changes. This should include practical measures such as transitional assistance, support for stranded inventory and relief to address cash flow challenges. There is clear precedent for governments to provide assistance where policy decisions have directly impacted industries, and I believe similar support is warranted in this case. More broadly, I recently met with members of the Canobolas Hunting Club to discuss the impacts of these reforms and the importance of ensuring that law-abiding firearm owners are properly considered in future regulations. I will continue to advocate for fair, balanced outcomes that support responsible firearm ownership. I also look forward to speaking in NSW Parliament in response to the Sporting Shooters' Association's record-breaking petition, which highlights the level of community concern around these changes. In addition, I will be seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the management and security of mental health patients in NSW government-operated facilities. Community safety must always be a priority, and it is critical that appropriate safeguards, oversight and support systems are in place to protect the public while ensuring proper care for those undergoing treatment. I will continue working to ensure the voices of regional communities are heard and that practical, fair solutions are delivered. Cheers. Phil Sun 1 Mar & 6 April COOK PARK ORANGE 11:30-2pm MR PERFECT BBQ'S Sun 8 March & 12 April MEMORIAL HILL PARKES 11:30-1:30pm Caught up with representatives of NSW Ombudsman in Orange in my role the as Chair, Committee on Ombudsman, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the Crime Commission Honoured to attend a Thank You Morning Tea at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange and receive a certificate of appreciation proud to support their vital work for local families. Visited the Orange Clay Target Club's Golden Cartridge shoot, attracting competitors from across NSW and interstate - a great, well-run event thanks to dedicated volunteers. GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP Learn how to improve your chances of success with expert guidance from Keith Whelan - The Grants Guy. Wednesday 11 March 2026 Arrive 5:30pm | 6:00pm sharp start Orange Ex-Services' Club FREE EVENT for Orange electorate organisations only. Bookings essential via email to orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au Welcomed Year 12 Geography students from Riverview, Loreto Kirribilli and Kinross Wolaroi to discuss key regional issues including water, housing, jobs, health and cost-of-living. Dropped into Foodcare Orange to thank the wonderful volunteers providing affordable food to those doing it tough - your work makes a real difference. NAB Foundation Community Grants Up to $25,000 for projects supporting disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Closes 16 March 2026 https://www.nab.com.au/ about- us/sustainability/nab- foundation/community- grants P 02 6362 5199 E ORANGE@PARLIAMENT.NSW.GOV.AU HIONATO MP MEM FOR ORA endent V Surprise visit from Anson Street School's Hugh Rasmussen, presenting a certificate recognising support for their Return and Earn initiative with Wangarang - a fantastic program to be part of. hilip ona Proud to again sponsor A Night in Nashville in Orange in 2026 with Tim Mortimer - a fantastic country music event that continues to grow each year. Telstra Connected Communities Grants Up to $10,000 for projects supporting local resilience, sustainability and digital capability. Closes 26 March 2026 https://www.telstra.co m.au/exchange/telstra- connected- communities-grants Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program Funding available for projects supporting arts, culture and creative industries in regional communities. Closes 31 March 2026 https://www.nsw.gov.au/g rants-and- funding/regional-nsw- strategic-partnerships- program 194A LORDS PLACE ORANGE NSW 2800 Authorised by Philip Donato MP, Member for Orange. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. PHIL DONATO MP Giday MEMBER FOR ORANGE Licensed firearm dealers across NSW - many of them small , family - run businesses in regional communities are facing significant financial pressure following the rapid introduction of new firearms legislation late last year . Since these changes came into effect , local operators have reported substantial reductions in trade , with declines in sales and stock turnover placing real strain on their ability to meet ongoing costs such as wages , insurance , leases and inventory commitments . I have been contacted by a number of businesses across the Orange electorate who are doing it tough , particularly in the current cost - of - living environment . These are law - abiding small businesses that play an important role in our regional economy , and they deserve fair consideration . I am calling on the NSW Government to introduce a targeted support package to assist licensed firearm dealers manage the financial impacts of these legislative changes . This should include practical measures such as transitional assistance , support for stranded inventory and relief to address cash flow challenges . There is clear precedent for governments to provide assistance where policy decisions have directly impacted industries , and I believe similar support is warranted in this case . More broadly , I recently met with members of the Canobolas Hunting Club to discuss the impacts of these reforms and the importance of ensuring that law - abiding firearm owners are properly considered in future regulations . I will continue to advocate for fair , balanced outcomes that support responsible firearm ownership . I also look forward to speaking in NSW Parliament in response to the Sporting Shooters ' Association's record - breaking petition , which highlights the level of community concern around these changes . In addition , I will be seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the management and security of mental health patients in NSW government - operated facilities . Community safety must always be a priority , and it is critical that appropriate safeguards , oversight and support systems are in place to protect the public while ensuring proper care for those undergoing treatment . I will continue working to ensure the voices of regional communities are heard and that practical , fair solutions are delivered . Cheers . Phil Sun 1 Mar & 6 April COOK PARK ORANGE 11 : 30-2pm MR PERFECT BBQ'S Sun 8 March & 12 April MEMORIAL HILL PARKES 11 : 30-1 : 30pm Caught up with representatives of NSW Ombudsman in Orange in my role the as Chair , Committee on Ombudsman , the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the Crime Commission Honoured to attend a Thank You Morning Tea at Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange and receive a certificate of appreciation proud to support their vital work for local families . Visited the Orange Clay Target Club's Golden Cartridge shoot , attracting competitors from across NSW and interstate - a great , well - run event thanks to dedicated volunteers . GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP Learn how to improve your chances of success with expert guidance from Keith Whelan - The Grants Guy . Wednesday 11 March 2026 Arrive 5:30 pm | 6:00 pm sharp start Orange Ex - Services ' Club FREE EVENT for Orange electorate organisations only . Bookings essential via email to orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au Welcomed Year 12 Geography students from Riverview , Loreto Kirribilli and Kinross Wolaroi to discuss key regional issues including water , housing , jobs , health and cost - of - living . Dropped into Foodcare Orange to thank the wonderful volunteers providing affordable food to those doing it tough - your work makes a real difference . NAB Foundation Community Grants Up to $ 25,000 for projects supporting disaster preparedness , response and recovery . Closes 16 March 2026 https://www.nab.com.au/ about- us / sustainability / nab- foundation / community- grants P 02 6362 5199 E ORANGE@PARLIAMENT.NSW.GOV.AU HIONATO MP MEM FOR ORA endent V Surprise visit from Anson Street School's Hugh Rasmussen , presenting a certificate recognising support for their Return and Earn initiative with Wangarang - a fantastic program to be part of . hilip ona Proud to again sponsor A Night in Nashville in Orange in 2026 with Tim Mortimer - a fantastic country music event that continues to grow each year . Telstra Connected Communities Grants Up to $ 10,000 for projects supporting local resilience , sustainability and digital capability . Closes 26 March 2026 https://www.telstra.co m.au/exchange/telstra- connected- communities - grants Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program Funding available for projects supporting arts , culture and creative industries in regional communities . Closes 31 March 2026 https://www.nsw.gov.au/g rants - and- funding / regional - nsw- strategic - partnerships- program 194A LORDS PLACE ORANGE NSW 2800 Authorised by Philip Donato MP , Member for Orange . Funded using parliamentary entitlements .