Maggi Barnard

NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay visited Parkes last week to assess the damage caused to the surrounding road network as a result of the recent flood events. “While we won’t know the full extent or cost of the damage until the water recedes, Minster Gay was able to gage an understanding of the impact to our community,” said Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“Sections of the road’s subsurface and bitumen has suffered extensive damage as a result of the prolonged wet weather and flooding. Motorists need to be aware that there may be pot holes and defects that pose a major risk to road users,” the Mayor said. A Council crew was involved in an incident recently when a tree collapsed on the front of their vehicle. The workers managed to escape without any serious injury, but the ute suffered extensive damage.

Soil saturation had caused the roots of the tree to become unstable. Motorists are urged to drive slower and with more caution during this extraordinary period of wet weather, and to report damage to roads.

The expansion of the Parkes Regional Airport Business Park will become a reality thanks to a $1.56 million investment from Round 3 of the National Stronger Regions Fund. Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash, said in Parkes last week the project would bring new jobs and business investment to the region.

“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and quality regional airports are a big part of that,” she said. Small Business Minister and Riverina MP, Michael McCormack, said the project would improve access to health services and leisure travel.

“It will also generate new business activity within the local aviation sector, creating additional income and employment opportunities. The project includes a new helipad and fuelling/maintenance facility to support future disaster response operations, including medical emergencies.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, said the contribution by the Federal Government would ensure this important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver economic and social benefits to the entire region. “This next stage of the redevelopment project will encourage economic development, stimulate regional industry, enable businesses and industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably, and provide greater prosperity and opportunities for the region”, the Mayor said.

According to Chairman of the Parkes Airport Committee, Councillor Alan Ward, stage 2 of construction consists of an extension of the airport apron and taxiway, developing a new hangar precinct and planning infrastructure for a helipad complex. “Construction activities are expected to generate 42 full time jobs and inject $5.3 million into the region’s catchment,” Cr Ward said.

Two further projects in the Riverina received funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund with support going to the Central West Livestock Exchange in Forbes and a multipurpose community facility in Wagga Wagga.

Dubbo was a sea of colour as hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the Central West Pride March in Dubbo last Saturday. The parade was full of vibrant flags and extravagant costumes as participants played up to the event’s Carnivàle theme. A rainbow float led the march through Dubbo’s main streets to the delight of onlookers, with many shops and businesses showing enthusiastic support for the event. The parade ended with a community fun day at the
park, where entertainment included a jumping castle, photo booths, sausage sizzle, face painting, and information stalls.

The crowd was also treated to performances by Talbragar Wiradjuri Dancers, The Stepping Out Dance Factory, live music, and of course a fashion parade. The region’s second Pride March demonstrated a resounding show of support for the diversity that exists within the Central West. A range of individuals and organisations took part in the parade; groups from Wellington Council, Australia Post, Uniting and Barnardos joined the celebrations.

The march was led by headspace Dubbo and Connected Communities Project Rainbow Alliance as part of Mental Health Month to raise awareness around the mental health issues facing the LGBTQI community. Next year’s parade promises to build on this success, bringing plenty more colour and sparkle to the Central West.

Almost 300 participants from 27 teams have entered so far for the Parkes & Districts Relay For Life with less than two weeks to go. The 2016 Relay will be held at Northparkes Oval on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October. “More than 39 teams and 508 participants registered in 2014 and we hope to increase the number of teams for this year’s Relay to make it even bigger and better, however, we still have a long way to go to get there,” said Ricky Puata, Community Engagement Manager for Cancer Council NSW, Western Region.

Relay For Life is an overnight, team fundraising event that brings local communities together in the fight against cancer and to honour cancer survivors and their carers. Relay For Life is like a festival, with games and activities, delicious food, and entertainment throughout the night. It is only held in Parkes every two years so now is the time
to get involved or you will have to wait until 2018!

The final team information night will be on Thursday, 20th October at 6.00pm at the Parkes Services Club.
“The information night is a great way to learn more about Relay, register yourself or your team, and promote your fundraising activities! It is also a great opportunity to meet other relayers and hear about all the exciting things that are planned for the Relay,” said Ricky.

To register in the Relay For Life go to www.relayforlife.org.au and search for ‘Parkes 2016’. Registration costs $20 and includes a Relay For Life t-shirt and free breakfast at the event on Sunday.

The Orange Wine Region has a lot to celebrate: 20 years of being a certified wine region, fantastic vintages, high ratings in the Halliday Wine Companion and a number of wines winning ten trophies at wine shows around NSW recently. The Festival has over 90 events. The tasting event at the Showground Pavilion on Friday, 14th October has a record of 328 entries. The wines will be matched with delicious food prepared by The Agrestic Grocer.

Don’t forget Wine Central, Monday to Thursday at the Union Bank from 5.30pm for a free tasting of a range of varieties. A new event is the Mixed Dozen Portraits of the Winemakers of Orange, at The Barracks Galleries & Studios on Peisley Street. There is the inaugural Vino Velo – cycle two of the region’s wine trails, finishing with lunch at a winery. Joins thousands at the Orange Wine Festival Wine and Food Night Market on Friday, 21st October at
Robertson Park. Visit the website www.orangwinefestival.com.au for more information or download the full program.