Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee and Cr Bill Jayet who were presented the prestigious KAB NSW 2024 Overall Tidy Towns Award on behalf of Parkes Shire Council. Also pictured is Kelly Reserve Water Play Space.
Parkes Shire Council has proudly claimed the prestigious 2024 Overall Tidy Towns Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) Tidy Towns Awards, announced on 2nd November 2024 at a ceremony hosted by 2023 winner Bathurst.
Recognised for our commitment to sustainability and community spirit, Parkes Shire Council will now represent NSW at the Australian Tidy Towns Awards in Beechworth, Victoria, in May 2025.
KAB NSW has been running the Tidy Towns program since 1981 which celebrates, recognises and rewards projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encourage recycling, promote heritage and culture, biodiversity, and waterways protection, celebrate community spirit and many other environmental areas.
Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, expressed pride in Council’s achievement, “This award demonstrates the hard work and vision of everyone in the Parkes Shire. It reflects our community’s shared commitment to sustainability and resilience, from Council initiatives to the dedication of individuals, businesses, and local organisations. We are proud to bring this recognition back to the Parkes Shire and are excited to represent NSW at the national level.”
Cr Bill Jayet also shared: “This award is a proud moment for the Parkes Shire, as it acknowledges the forward-thinking approach of our Council teams, community groups, and residents. Each project, no matter how big or small, has contributed to this achievement. We look forward to continuing our journey toward sustainability and setting new standards for environmental care and community engagement,” Cr Jayet said.
In addition to the Overall Tidy Towns Award, Parkes received top honours in the Liveable Towns, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Community Spirit and Inclusion categories.
Galing Gindhay Water Play: Liveable Town Award, Population Category C Joint Winner. This inclusive space combines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating, making it enjoyable for all ages. The project integrates Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.
Lake Endeavour Places To Swim Project: Liveable Town Award, Population Category C Joint Winner. Lake Endeavour was transformed into the first developed natural water location for recreational use in the Parkes Shire. The installation of new recreational infrastructure encourages people to get active in, on and around Lake Endeavour – from swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, to fishing, walking and relaxing by the water.
Waders and Woodlands: Biodiversity Conservation Award Population Category C Winner. Parkes Shire Council rehabilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna, serving as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species, featuring more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes. This site is attracting a range of bird species, marking significant ecological restoration and fulfilling community desire for accessible green spaces.
Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL): Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Award, Population Category C Winner. The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity. It ensures reliable water supply for the Shire while reducing CO2 emissions by over 900 tons annually.
Homegrown Parkes: Community Events Community Spirit and Inclusion Award, Population Category C Winner. Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability, fostering community engagement and promotes sustainable living.
One of the many stallholders at the Award Winning Community Event – Homegrown Parkes.
What does it take to keep an egg safe when dropped from a height? Mrs Pays Year 8 Science students put this question to the test recently. 
The challenge was to design structures to protect `eggs’ from falls from various heights. 