Jack Gatto started his Elvis tribute artist career at the Parkes Elvis Festival in 2015 when he won the Senior Tribute to Elvis competition. Six years later and Jack has become one of Australia’s premier Elvis tribute artists. He will be back next year to perform on the brand new permanent concert stage in Cooke Park.
Millions For Roads: Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils will receive close to $6.5 million to fix local roads through funding from the Australian and NSW Governments. The Federal Government has committed $191 million to build on the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program. The program is aimed at projects to seal, maintain and repair local roads. Details for specific projects will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
Showground Upgrades: Parkes is one of four local showgrounds sharing $155,751 for improvement works as part of a NSW Government COVID-19 stimulus package. Parkes, Forbes, Canowindra and Eugowra showgrounds have been approved for further upgrade work to improve the safety, use and condition of their infrastructure and support jobs in the local economy. Parkes received $58,000 to replace its harness racing track and arena lights and clean the showground’s other lights including floodlights.
Extended Rental Relief: At last month’s Ordinary Council Meeting it was resolved to continue to support the following community groups with free rental during the 2020/2021 financial year, equating to almost $70,000 in value: Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Historical Society, Parkes M&D, Parkes Antique Motor Club, Parkes Shire Concert Band, Historical Aircraft Restoration, Generocity Church and Bogan Gate Arts and Crafts.
Drought Response Scheme Concludes: Due to substantial rainfall across the Shire and the lowered seasonal demand, there are currently no issues with the management of the Shire’s water supply system. Council decided at its monthly June meeting to remove the Standpipe Usage Scheme and Drought Response Measures for Farming Enterprises framework and to return to normal system operation and usage charges. Cr Neil Westcott said: “Council should be commended for action and response to the drought affected community. The scheme represented a value of approximately $250,000 to our rural constituents over the 2018/19 – 2019/20 period.
Check Before Visiting: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation and reviewing hospital visitors. Visitors to any hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules at that time, and follow the directions of staff. Visitors may not enter if they have returned from overseas in the last 14 days, returned from the greater Melbourne area in the last 14 days or have been in contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
The abundance of rain has filled up dams, and brought wild flowers back in nature.