Roxane Manley

Left to Right: Phil Donato MP, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, Jamie Chaffey MP, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, Tracie Rob­ertson CUC Parkes Chairperson and Jacob Cass CUC Parkes Centre Manager.

The Country Universities Centre Parkes (CUC Parkes) has officially opened its newpremises at 7–9 Court Street, nearly five years after launching its original co-located site within the Parkes Shire Library.

“Since opening our doors at the Parkes Li­brary in 2020, we have supported over 215 students in their studies,” said Centre Man­ager Jacob Cass.

“Our new facility offers expanded space, private study rooms, and a dedicated work­shop room, in addition to all the services we previously provided, such as free printing and access to workstations.”

The new Centre was formally opened on Wednesday, 18 June by Mr Jamie Chaffey, Member for Parkes; Mr Phil Donato, Mem­ber for Orange; Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott; Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller; CUC Parkes Chairperson Tracie Robertson; and Centre Manager Jacob Cass.

Designed with students in mind, the up­graded facility features two private study rooms, 14 dual-screen workstations, student laptops for in-centre use, video conferenc­ing equipment, printing services, academic and wellbeing support, a large meeting and workshop room, a student common area, and a kitchen. Registration is simple, and access to the Centre is completely free.

CUC Parkes is not just for university stu­dents. If you’re studying a Certificate III or higher through TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), or are a stu­dent in Years 10, 11, or 12, you’re eligible to use the Centre and take advantage of its full range of support services.

CUC Parkes is proudly funded by the NSW Government and the Australian Gov­ernment through the Regional University Study Hub Program. We extend our sincere thanks to these organisations for their ongo­ing support and to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone.

For more information about Country Uni­versity Centre Parkes, you can contact Ja­cob Cass jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au or by calling 0409 119 933.

The forum was recorded and the videos of each session can be viewed online in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on the Councils’ Facebook pages.

Heavy vehicle safety was in the spotlight recently at a breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Around 80 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum to explore the current road safety and freight issues af­fecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the forum has become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar since its inception in 2012.

“Events like this forum are essential in providing opportunities to share informa­tion, network and discuss local issues,” Ms Suitor said.

The forum was attended by local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers along with various associations and government agencies. Topics covered included high productivity vehicles, safety around power lines, Police enforcement and an industry case study from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

Presenters were from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police Force, Essential Energy and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

“Thanks to the guest speakers who made the forum informative and thought provok­ing for participants. And thanks to everyone who attended” Ms Suitor said.

Feedback from attendees was very posi­tive – rating the event 4.61 out of 5, with all attendees reporting that the forum met their expectations and they will attend next year.

Organisers are now turning their attention to the annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day which will return on 14 August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Ex­change. There will also be satellite events held across the region in late August and early September, watch this space for infor­mation.