Maggi Barnard

The Mill at Eugowra is producing frames and trusses again. No, it’s not the old timber machines firing up again, this time round it is steel made by Light Steel Structures.

Modern, efficient and 100% recyclable the light gauge steel outweighs the timber option on the weight to strength ratio. Each project is custom produced to maximise speed and minimise cost.

Light Steel Structures is filling a void in the market throughout the Central West with its focus on looking after local builders, many of whom were left high and dry when the timber shortage hit home.

Light Steel Structures Manager, Daniel Relyea says “it’s great to be able to service the most important market sector, the lower volume builders. Together with the latest in machining technology and powerful design software, we can design and produce custom frames and trusses with a short turnaround time.

“I have spent many years in the building and construction industry and always used timber, but now having seen just how advanced steel framing can be, I’m a convert to steel. The dimple and rivet allow for a flush wall frame meaning fixing linings life gyprock sit flat.

“With steel frames being much lighter than timber, the system suits owner builders and those with small crews to work efficiently. It will be great to see money staying in the region with a new local business providing building products as well as jobs”, said Daniel.

Contact Daniel at Light Steel Structures on 0477 195 438 or by email: info@lightsteelstructures.com.au

Gum Swamp as seen from the air. (Photo: Gold Trails) Insert:One of the new two-storey hides at Gum Swamp where bird watchers and nature lovers can immerse themselves to observe over 160 species of birds.

Gum Swamp near Forbes is a unique wildlife sanctuary hosting an extensive array of birds in their natural habitat.

In time for National Bird Week, the swamp currently has a pair of nesting Sea Eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Whistling Kite, Blue-billed Ducks, Freckled Duck, Pink Ear Duck, Glossy Ibis Grey and Chestnut Teal, Hard Head Magpie Geese, Swans and Cygnets, Sacred Kingfishers and Sand Spoonbills.

Located just four kilometres from the Forbes CBD on the Newell Highway, Gum Swamp is a nationally significant site for ornithology (study of birds), amateur twitch-ers and nature lovers with four, unobtrusive vantage points from which to observe over 160 bird species.

The Gum Swamp hides have had a great transformation recently, and now incorporates three new two-storey hides. The existing hide, built-in 1992 with support from Dick Smith, Australian Geographic and local community groups, was also refurbished as part of the Gum Swamp redevelopment project.

Forbes Arts Society’s Chairperson, Dr Karen Ritchie said: “The existing bird hide has been a tremendous community and tourism asset for close to 30 years, so we are delighted to see it refurbished to be utilised for decades to come.”

While Gum Swamp is commonly known as a destination for bird watchers, the redevelopment project will encourage residents and visitors to utilise the wetland sanctuary for other recreational activities.

“The landscape lends itself to a diverse range of opportunities,” said Karen. “We hope this redevelopment will attract new user groups, including photographers, artists, health and wellness enthusiasts, and those wishing to just immerse themselves in nature.”

The Gum Swamp redevelopment is part of the $7 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Val-ley Economy Art Project’ funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

Parkes Shire Council has received $2.3 million in funding from the NSW Government to deliver 15km of upgrades to the Peak Hill – Baldry Road.

The project involves widening and over-laying existing unsealed pavement with bitumen sealing and improvements to drainage from the intersection of the Newell Highway.

“This road is currently unsealed and due to vertical and horizontal alignment deficiencies, it’s unable to be classified as a B-Double or higher rated road. By improving this road to meet the increasing freight demand, it will allow greater efficiency of vehicles to this agricultural area,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“The upgrades will also improve sight distance and the ability for two vehicles to safely pass on the identified section of road. It is wonderful that the State Government has invested in this project. This road services both freight and passenger purposes, including a school bus service, and the proposed improvements will make it much safer for the mix of heavy vehicles and everyday passenger vehicles,” said the Mayor.

Survey design and investigative work will commence in February next year, with construction expected to commence in September 2022.

ABOVE: Happy volunteers in the new kitchen at the Parkes branch of the Australian Red Cross in Church Street. They are (L-R) Val Glasheen, Ruth Simpson, Norma Oliver and Lee Robertson.

The Red Cross Tea Room in Parkes is open again every Friday after the lockdown has ended and the volunteers could not have been happier.

They have been eagerly awaiting the end of lockdown and returned with extra big smiles two weeks ago to serve hot drinks, and home made sandwiches and slices from their newly renovated kitchen.

“We have missed the company so much and hope everyone can come back,” said President Norma Oliver.

She said on busy days they would have up to 40 people coming in for morning tea or lunch at the bargain price of $7. “We hope everyone can come back to see everything is bigger, better and brighter.”

The tea room has also received a touch up with new tables and chairs and red and blue table cloths that creates a festive atmosphere. The kitchen was fully renovated and has a new urn, fridge, stove and dishwasher.

“It’s great to be back seeing the old faces,” said Val Glasheen, who is one of about eight volunteers who help out on Fridays.

Lurlene Burns and Jane Sunderland are two regular customers who who seized the opportunity to restart their regular date to meet at the tea room. “We were bored to tears sitting at home and are very happy to be back,” they said.

LEFT: Lurlene Burns and Jane Sunderland enjoy having a cuppa with company in the Red Cross Tea Room that is open every Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm.