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 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.

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.

It is National Bird Week and you can still take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count until Sunday. Cathy McPherson from Parkes is a keen bird photographer and took this beautiful shot of a Darter. If you have an iconic image for Closing Shot send it to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

It has been a brilliant year for Parkes photographer Marc Payne who keeps on raking in accolades for his work.

He received the good news last week that he has picked up two bronze awards in the Epson International Pano (panorama) Awards for photos he took in the Parkes area.

The competition is dedicated to the craft and art of panoramic photography, and is the world’s largest competition devoted to the genre with 92 countries represented. The open categories attracted 2,646 entries and there were 2,619 amateur entries.

“I have entered these awards once before and didn’t do any good. I entered this year mainly for the feedback and not expecting to receive two bronzes.”

He scored 72/100 for his image of the massive dust storm that hit Parkes on 19th January 2020. He scored 76/100 for a photo he took at Lake Endeavour shrouded in fog.

“It goes to show you don’t have to be in the most beautiful parts of the world to get award winning or competing images,” said Marc.

In August Marc received two honourable mentions in the Minimalist Photography Awards, and in July his portrait study of Dustin Howearth was named in the top 101 portrait photographs of the year.

By Maggi Barnard

Would you like to acknowledge an outstanding contribution someone has made to our community? Nominations are now open for the 2022 Parkes Shire Council Community, Cultural, Environmental and Sports Awards, including the Ron Harrison Sports Bursary.

“This year it is particularly important to recognise the outstanding people and groups in our community, who have positively contributed to the local culture, community and environment during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

“These awards celebrate and showcase the artistic and creative talent that we have in the Parkes Shire. I strongly encourage community members to nominate individuals or groups,” said Manager Cultural Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones.

The awards cover the 2021 calendar year to date and will be announced during the Australia Day Awards ceremony in January 2022. All nominations must be made online via Council’s website this year at: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/living-here/your-community/awards/. If you need assistance, visit the team at the Parkes Library and Culture Centre. Entries close on 30th November.

• Community Awards: The Community Awards recognise out-standing community contribution in the following categories: Adult Citizen – over 25 years of age; Young Citizen – up to 25 years of age; Individuals or a Community Group for an event – two persons or more

• Cultural Awards: This year the Cultural Award categories have changed to encourage a wider variety of recipients eligible for nomination. The Cultural Awards recognise excellence in the performing, visual, and creative arts and crafts in the following categories: Performance Award; Literacy Award; Visual Arts Award; Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award

• Environmental Awards: The Environmental Award recognises an individual or group contributing to our environmental preservation or advancing environmental awareness within the Shire.

• Sports Awards: Nominations are now open for the 2022 Parkes Shire Council Sports Awards to recognise outstanding sporting groups and individuals in the Parkes Shire. The eight categories are Sports Person of the Year; Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Team of the Year; Coach or Manager; Referee or Official; Senior Team or Sportsperson; Ad-ministrator and Long Service and Dedication Award. Ron Harrison Sports Bursary of $2,000 provides financial assistance to particularly juniors who demonstrate the need for this assistance to further develop their career.

Hard to believe we came out of one of the worst droughts just two years ago as very lush looking crops are greening our countryside at the moment with predictions of a ‘jackpot’ harvest this year! Cr Bill Jayet took this shot at Alectown when he visited fellow Councillor Neil Westcott last weekend. If you have an iconic or local image for Closing Shot send it to the editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.