Roxane Manley

On Friday 29 August, the 3rd Parkes Scout Group were excited to have a visit from Mr Paul Hennessy, NSW Honorary Branch Commissioner and Deputy Chair of NorthWest Scout Fellowship.

The purpose of Paul’s visit was to deliver a donation to the group from the SOCKS (Scout Outback Community Kids Support) Program. SOCKS donates items of uniform to regional scout groups to help kids in the country who cannot afford uniforms, as the cost for some families can be difficult.

The program has supported a number re­gional Scout Groups so far which includes 3rd Broken Hill Sea Scout Group and 1st Kandos Scout Group.

Parkes Shire Council is thrilled to launch the Parkes CBD Revitalisation Project, an exciting initiative to invigorate the heart of Parkes to deliver a vibrant, welcoming des­tination for locals and visitors alike.

Council has secured $360,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Community Improvement District Pilot Program (Round Two), to deliver a range of outcomes aimed at energising the town centre and futureproofing the local economy.

Key highlights include:

• Establish a collaborative governance model that brings together local busi­nesses, property owners, and Council to shape the future of the CBD.

• Develop an updated Vibrancy Strategy for the CBD and branding strategy to position Parkes as a must-visit regional hub.

• Deliver tailored business training and workshops to strengthen local skills and competitiveness.

• Transform Cooke Park with a limitedtime lighting installation and a signature community activation event, creating a unique focal point for connection, cel­ebration, and local engagement.

The revitalisation is about making the CBD more walkable, engaging, and con­nected. Community support for the project has been strong, with backing from the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, local busi­ness owners, and property stakeholders.

This momentum follows extensive com­munity consultation, ensuring the project aligns with local aspirations.

Hamish Ritchie, Economic Development Specialist at Parkes Shire Council, said the project is about creating a vibrant and in­clusive town centre that reflects the com­munity’s values.

“This project is about creating a CBD that people genuinely enjoy spending time in, a place that reflects how we live, connect, and support each other as a community,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Guided by what the community has told us they want and love about Parkes.

A place where community, business, and creativity can thrive together.”

For more information about the Commu­nity Improvement District Pilot Program: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/CIDPilot

The annual mock crash demonstration re­turned last week and was viewed by over 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas. Seven local high schools are taking part in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, which includes a pre classroom lesson, the live mock crash demonstration and a follow-up classroom lesson.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of­ficer, Melanie Suitor, said the purpose of the mock crash demonstration is to show young drivers what happens when a crash occurs.

“The mock crash demonstration started with a short video that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors. Then the curtains opened, and the audience watched as the youth actors called ‘000’ for help.

“When emergency service personnel ar­rived, they were confronted with two severe­ly injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and an emotional driver.

“The mock crash demonstration conclud­ed with recorded victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and their families nine months on. The videos included point of view footage of what hap­pened at the Police station and hospital.

The program has been running since 2009. Over that period there has been a 27% reduction in crashes on local roads in­volving a young driver (17 – 25 years old).“It is a real team effort. Thanks to Parkes High School, Westlime, Regency Medical, Parkes Auto Wreckers, The McMasters, Bella Henry, Julia Sullivan, Halle Molloy, Senior Constable Emma Dyball, Acting Sergeant Jane Heffernan, Sergeant Philip Brown, Constable Anthony O’Brien, Made­line Elkhouri, Ebony Domanski, Jeff Field, Matthew Hando, David Law, Mark Appleby, Leanne Field, Marshall Munn, Glen Morgan, Sherry Morgan, CCT Productions, Chloe Marskell, Logan Davies, Abigail Heard and Abbey Browne,” Ms Suitor said.