Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council has elected Councillor Neil Westcott as Mayor and Councillor Joy Paddison as Deputy Mayor following a vote at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 15 September 2026.

Councillor Westcott was re-elected unopposed as Mayor for a further two-year term, while Councillor Paddison was elected Deputy Mayor, succeeding Councillor Marg Applebee.

Mayor Neil Westcott thanked councillors, Council staff and his family following his reelection. “I would like to thank the councillors for the confidence you have bestowed upon me in the honour of being Mayor for another two years.

I hope over the last three years that you all as Councillors feel as though you’ve had your opportunity to shine. I recognise that this is very much a team effort and, as Mayor, I do depend on you and your support very much on being active councillors within our community.

“Thank you to Cr Applebee for your service as Deputy Mayor. You have been very hardworking and there have been a lot of good memories over those couple of years.

“Congratulations to Cr Paddison on your election as Deputy Mayor. You will enjoy the ride that is Deputy Mayor. The role is what you make of it, and it does open up a lot of doors.”

Outgoing Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee reflected on her time in the role. “I just wanted to express what a pleasure it has been to be the Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire over two terms. I think my record speaks for itself. I’ve been dedicated, I’ve been proud to represent the Shire.

“I’ll continue showing up at events and supporting our community, regardless of what position I hold. When one door closes, another one opens.”

Newly elected Deputy Mayor Joy Paddison thanked councillors and her family for their support saying, “I seriously couldn’t have done it without them.”

A beautiful Woodstock family are currently facing unfathomable times; with the loss of their home and their precious four-year-old son.

This family of five need the support of our communities; as much as they need their privacy. No possession or dollar will ever be enough to rebuild the life this family should be enjoying, but all donations will be kindly accepted.

A team of their friends are also coordinating a cattle drive on Tuesday 29 September at CTLX, Carcoar and a lamb drive at Cowra Saleyards on Wednesday 30 September. All stock donations will be greatly appreciated.

In these coming days, weeks, months and beyond, these funds will be used to help this family take the time they need to heal.

Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/648b2095e.

Dusty Langby is a 12 year old boy, who has this week, completed a 540km walk from Warren to Canberra with the aim of raising $1 million for Little Wings so they can fly more paediatricians out to the bush. Dusty and his team left Warren on 30 August, and after five days and 184 kms of walking, Dusty arrived in Parkes on 3 August where he had already raised approximately $270,000.

While in Parkes, we caught up with Dusty and his team, which included his mum Sarah, who is a nurse, and fellow nurses Nikki from Little Wings and Chris from Warren.

We learned Dusty was actually only 11 years old when he came up with the idea to walk to Canberra.

Dusty, who lives on a farm in Warren, one afternoon noticed his mum Sarah had had a hard day, and said to her, “Come on mum lets go out the back, I’ll get you in the dam to have a swim and get you a ‘lemonade’ from the coolroom.”

It was then, that the pair got talking and Dusty stated he wanted to do something to help support Little Wings, saying, “Well I’ll walk.” Mum Sarah replied, “How far will you walk? Where will you walk?” To which Dusty responded, “Parliament House.” When his mum asked how much he would raise he confidently said, “One million dollars.”

Dusty completed his walk and arrived in Canberra on 15 August, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who confirmed, “We’re matching Dusty’s fundraising dollar for dollar and backing Little Wings so they can keep flying and supporting regional families”.

Dusty absolutely smashed his goal of raising $1 million dollars, but the Dollar for Dusty fundraising account will be open for approximately one month post walk, so you can still donate at: www.givenow.com.au/dollar-for-dusty

Eighty former Parkes High School students and their partners will be returning this weekend 11-13 September to celebrate 50 years since completing Year 10. The students attended Parkes High School between the years 1973 (Yr 7), 1976 (Yr 10 – 50 yrs) and 1978 (Yr 12).

Ex-students will be travelling from interstate and locally to attend. Some students travelling over 1,000 km from Mackay, Qld and Somerset, Tasmania to renew old friendships. Memories of those “good old school days” will no doubt be recalled.

The reunion is being organised by locals Rodney and Jennie Barnes, Kym Hodges, Tony Jackson, Debbie Miles and Doug Miller.

Social drinks and an informal get together will take place from 5:30pm Friday night at the Railway Hotel. The main function will be held at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club from 5pm on Saturday evening. A roll call will occur at 6pm. There will be a memorabilia display with photos, old school uniforms and music from the 70’s and 80’s. A brunch and farewell will follow at Parkes Bowling & Sports Club from 10am on the Sunday.

Reunion gatherings have previously been held on six occasions, coinciding with 1983 Parkes Centenary celebrations for whole of school, 2006 75th Anniversary of Education at the current site, 2011 Parkes High School 80th birthday, along with era specific reunions in 1999 and 2016.

Historical Facts:

• 1973 saw a record Year 7 intake of 204 students.

• School Leaders in 1978 were Captains: Debbie Gosper (Miles) & Stephen Reilly. Vice Captains were Mark Chew, Peter Umbers & Sue Fryer (Thomas).

• Dux of the School 1978 was Joy Onley.

• Principals during the time were Mr John Byrom 1973-1976 and Mr Mervyn Eyles 1977-1978