Jessica Clarke: I wear it every time I go to Woolies as I am asthmatic and cannot afford to get sick, and people get too close.
Belinda Toland: If it’s necessary I will wear it. I have one in my bag, but for now I stay away from people as much as possible.
Jo Vanunen and Glenda Moir: We will do it if it is required as it makes sense. We don’t have a problem with it.
Jo: I have worn at mask at Coles and will do it again.
ARTC will be doing maintenance work on the railway line from Cootamundra to Parkes next weekend.
Next weekend the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will run its massive annual maintenance program from Cootamundra to Parkes and between Moss Vale and Albury investing $8 million in regional NSW.
Rail workers will carry out essential rail maintenance and enhancement works as part of ARTC’s annual ‘Super Possession’ from 6am Saturday, 5th September to 6pm Monday, 7th September. “This year’s works include track re-railing, resurfacing and reconditioning, as well as level crossing upgrades, track ballasting, turnout maintenance and bridge maintenance,” said ARTC’s General Manager of Asset Management – Interstate, Brian Gree.
“The maintenance program requires track closures to allow access to the tracks for works that cannot be done safely when trains are running. We apologise for the inconvenience and as always we appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists, commuters and customers.”
In addition to the shutdown, there will be preparatory work along the rail lines from 29th August, as well as some demobilisation work during standard working hours following the shutdown until 11th September. These works should see minimal impact to the community.
Brian said the shutdown of the network was required for works to be carried out as safely as possible. Under COVID-19 requirements the company will be doing a letterbox drop of information flyers instead of a door knock to inform nearby neighbours of the upcoming works. Ongoing strict hygiene protocols are also in place to minimise potential risks to the community and the teams involved in the maintenance shutdown.
Passenger services are impacted, and replacement coaches will be operating. More information can be found at www.transportnsw.info for NSW TrainLink services. More information is available on the ARTC website. Community members can also contact ARTC Enviroline on 1300 550 402 or email enviroline@artc.com.au if they have questions about the works.
Students in the Royal Academy of Dance Grade 5 ballet class with their dance diaries. They are (L-R) Pippa Robinson, Jemma Underwood, Madison Wynstra and Charlotte Baird.
Cleaning out your childhood room during COVID lockdown might bring you unexpected surprises as ballet teacher Natalie Williams discovered earlier this year.
She found a dance diary she had kept at a winter dance school she attended in Mudgee and decided it was a perfect activity to start with her students at Parkes School of Dance.
It was really tough for the students when classes were cancelled, but with a micro grant from Arts OutWest, Natalie was able to launch her idea and give her students a new sense of commitment during lockdown.
“The dance diaries have helped and will continue to help our dancers to maintain their passion for dance,” said Natalie. “During lock down, all of our students missed dancing in the studio with their friends and teachers.”
The students are still using the diaries as journals to record anything to do with dance from photos, information, to questions and explanations.
“My dance diary helps me remember things to practice and do at home,” said Jemma Underwood, who does Royal Academy of Dance Grade 5 Ballet and Junior Contemporary dance.
For senior student Sophie McQuie the diary is a good representation of what she has learned. “When I’m not at dance during the week, I’ve been able to write questions and points down so that I can ask and talk about them in class. Things like effacé positions, and our intentions for each class. I’ve kept feedback from teachers and have enjoyed researching particular dancers,” said Sophie, who attends Royal Academy of Dance Advanced One, Repertoire, Senior jazz and senior contemporary classes, as well as private lessons for solos.
Natalie said she was surprised by how engaged the students wanted to be with the diaries. “We are definitely keeping them for next year too.”
By Maggi Barnard
Slow down is the message from NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole for Rural Road Safety Month.
Slow Down To Save Lives: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole launched Rural Road Safety Month last week. Drivers in the Orange Electorate are urged to slow down as more than two-thirds of the lives lost on NSW roads occur in the country. NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said preliminary figures show 252 people were killed or injured in crashes on roads in the electorate last year. Sam said speed and fatigue were the most common factors for fatalities, contributing to about 70% per cent of people killed. “Every one of these deaths and serious injuries has had a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.” The NSW Government is investing more than $640 million in the Safer Roads Program for regional NSW, along with $140 million from the Federal Government to roll out lifesaving projects.
COVID-19 And School Attendance: The latest update on school attendance requires that students and staff with flu like symptoms provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result before they are permitted to return to school. In accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. Schools will make arrangements for students who present as unwell or have flu like symptoms to be sent home. NSW Health have requested that schools encourage anyone who is unwell or has even mild flu-like symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.
National Scams Awareness Week: The ACCC’s ‘Targeting Scams’ report noted that nbn themed scams were the most commonly reported scam type with the ‘Nicole from nbn’ robocall scam the most prolific example. Recent reports indicate ‘Nicole’ has been joined by ‘Carol’. There are also two new nbn themed scams: residents receiving a fraudulent nbn invoice for payment after they were offered a nbn upgrade over the phone; and scammers claiming radiation or harmful UV rays will come from the computer and instructing the individual to move away from or cover the screen, allowing the scammer unmonitored remote access to the device. It is important to note that NBN Co does not issue invoices direct to customers unless work has been agreed to by nbn and the customer.
Interesting snow apparel were observed at Mount Canobolas on Sunday with these guys getting very creative with black garbage bags and oven mittens.
Doris Field attended the opening of the new Rural Fire Service (RFS) fire station in Parkes last Saturday with a special teddy dressed in RFS uniform complete with the name label of Max Field, who was a life member of the RFS and Doris’s husband.
RFS fire fighters Connor Trueber and Brayden Varcoe are very impressed with the new fire station.
RFS Parkes Headquarters Captain Steve Chester (left) received a special shield to mark the opening of the new fire station from NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Peter McKechnie.
Parkes ratepayers can now receive their rates and water notices electronically.
The eNotices is provided through SaveMail, an online portal that enables ratepayers the convenience and ease to download and view their rate and water notices at no cost.
Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said Council was committed to simplifying processes, reducing waste and improving access to information for our local community. “Save Mail is a new, innovative way to view and download your rates notices, water notices, instalments and other information at your own convenience.” In the coming weeks, Parkes Shire residents will receive an invitation to register for SaveMail via a letter enclosed with the annual rates notice. Please note that you must register to enable access to view rates and water electronically.
“The registration process should only take a few minutes and once completed you will be able to receive your notices electronically from the next instalment notice,” said the Mayor.
“Council acknowledges that many members of our community have been affected by COVID-19 financial pressures and with that being said, Council have extended the due date for payment of the first quarter rates notices until 30th September.” Residents experiencing difficulties paying their rates or registering for SaveMail are encouraged to contact the rates team on 6861 2333 or email payment.help@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Middleton Public School Vice-Captain – Joselyne Folau
How old are you? I am 11 years old.
How long have you lived in or around Parkes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Parkes my entire life and my favourite thing about living here is the variety of sports that can be played, inside and outside of school.
Where do you go to school and what year are you in? I go to Middleton Public School and I am in Year 6.
What is your favourite after school activity? Playing Fortnite with my friends, even though it annoys mum. I also like playing sport. My favourite sports are netball and rugby union.
What is your favourite food and movie? My favourite food is when mum makes pizzas for dinner. My favourite movie is ‘Bad Boys’ because it’s an action movie and it’s really funny.
What music do you listen to? I listen to all types of music. My favourite memory is listening to a whole bunch of 80’s and 90’s music with my grandma.
What do you want to do when you grow up? I’m not really sure, but when I was in Kindergarten I wanted to be a nurse so I could work with my mum.
If you could have a super power what would it be? To stop time so I could watch every movie I’ve wanted to see, or read every book I’ve wanted to read, in one weekend.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I’m Mum and Dad’s favourite (Ha! Ha!)
Sarah Coles and Matthew Barnden are two of the 20 Parkes Shire Council staff members who enrolled for a Diploma of Project Management at TAFE NSW.
Studying when working full time is not only tough challenge, but also requires commitment and perseverance.
Twenty staff members of the Parkes Shire Council have taken the opportunity to further their studies this year by completing a Diploma of Project Management at TAFE NSW.
By offering employees this opportunity, the Parkes Shire Council is defying a national trend by investing in the skill development of its employees, rather than recruiting new talent.
“Our commitment to lifelong learning and fostering professional development ensures that staff develop the necessary skills to progress their careers and that our organisation can collectively continue to deliver progress and value to our community,” said Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd.
“The hands-on practical skills and experience gained through the TAFE NSW course will prepare our staff to effectively manage and deliver projects across any sector at council.”
“To enhance their learning, each of the participants will also be paired with a mentor from our senior leadership team. The mentors will work one-on-one with participants to provide advice, professional support, and help them to apply the skills to real-world projects.”
Parkes Shire Council Destination Development Manager Kelly Hendry said she was looking forward to enhancing her skills to assist with managing projects.
“The fact that the TAFE NSW course includes a good practical overview, whilst allowing participants to step through actual projects from their workplace appealed to me.”
“I have no doubt the course will help ensure that the projects I manage continue to give value to our community and refine Parkes Shire as a destination of choice.”
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Business Services, Jenelle Frewin said the delivery of the Diploma of Project Management had been customised by TAFE Enterprise to meet the needs of Parkes Shire Council.
“Students will learn through a variety of flexible methods including, face-to-face and online through connected delivery platforms, which will help them to juggle their work commitments and study.”
Almost 7,000 votes were cast on the project page of Parkes Shire Council’s grant programs. Council was overwhelmed with the response and community contribution to this recent consultation for the Local Road and Community Infrastructure and Resources for Regions grant programs. The community was invited to share their priorities for identified projects on a new online engagement platform, Your Say Parkes.
The project page was viewed over 7,900 times with 1,746 registered participants casting 3,665 votes by the end of last month. Council also received useful comments on existing ideas and other valuable contributions for future projects.
Parkes Shire Mayour Ken Keith said while community feedback and sentiment were important, it was only one piece of the puzzle. “Council also needed to take into consideration the guidelines, budget, and the benefits to the community.”
This is the final list of projects to be submitted, but final approval is entirely at the discretion of the government.
• Resources for Regions $1.67M: Spicer Oval amenity building and carpark upgrades $1,620,000; Newell Highway Bypass $50,000.
• Local Roads and Community Infrastructure $1.3M: Woodward Oval Tennis Court Upgrades $175,000; Spicer Oval Lighting $400,000; Child Safety Traffic Upgrades at Parkes East School $250,000; Road, Footpath & Stormwater repair & maintenance $95,000; CCTV Main Street, Peak Hill $20,000; Parkes Coventry Room Community Cultural Space $100,000; Wiradjuri Keeping Place and preservation of artefacts $35,000; CBD Smart Infrastructure (banner raising components) $30,000; Doctors Residence Upgrade, Tullamore $80,000; Fence at Cemetery, Alectown $30,000; Henry Parkes Centre – Repairs and maintenance to protect collections $50,000; Rose Street Footpath Upgrade $35,000.
Today I would like to share some information with you regarding rental bonds. At the beginning of a tenancy, we ask the tenant to pay a bond for the rental property which is equivalent to four weeks rent.
The bond is only four weeks rent regardless of how many tenants occupy the property, and it is used as security for the property in case the tenant does not follow the terms of the agreement and they need to compensate the landlord.
Rental bonds are required to be lodged with the Rental Bond Board. These days we lodge bonds using rental bonds online. The bond lodgement details include the rental property address, the landlord and landlord’s agent, and the primary tenant.
To ensure they get the bond back, tenants need to make sure the property is left in the same condition as when they first rented the property, except for fair wear and tear. If the tenant has damaged the property, or not left it in a clean and tidy condition, or if they owe rent or other money to the landlord, they may forfeit some or all of their bond.
If there is a dispute over the bond at the end of the tenancy, then the matter is taken to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
We hope that helps you understand rental bonds a little more, and if you have any questions regarding this topic or would like assistance with managing your rental property, we are more than happy to assist at Century 21 Central West for all your property management needs.
