Upper House Select Committee members pictured at the conclusion of the public forum in Parkes. Nichole Overall MLC (Chair) is pictured in the centre.

The Upper House Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities vis­ited Parkes on Tuesday, 14 April for a hear­ing and a public forum. Through this inquiry the committee is examining the potential impacts of the proposed facility in Parkes (and Tarago).During this week’s hearing, the committee heard evidence from stakeholders and dur­ing the afternoon’s public forum, the com­mittee heard directly from members of the community.

Chair of the Committee Nichole Overall MLC said, “It’s incredibly important to be here with the community to hear from them directly. Receiving submissions as part of the inquiry process is one thing, but having that direct engagement, and the commu­nity having the opportunity to present their points of view, their questions, their con­cerns, is really powerful from the perspec­tive of the inquiry.”

“I know the emotion around this issue, which is why we, the NSW Nationals called for the inquiry, we understand how impor­tant it is and it’s far better to be here, and present and listening, so that we can take that message back to Macquarie Street in Sydney and ensure that our regional voices are truly being heard.”

Local Parkes farmer Sarah Townsend, who attended the public forum had this message for the decision makers, “If it is so safe, just keep it in Sydney. Why waste the money sending it here.”

Find out more at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 The full hearing recording is available at: www.youtube.com/@NSWParliamentOfficial

Over the next five days, double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads until Monday 6 April 2026 as Police encourage road users to look out for each other over the Easter break.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police in the area will also be targeting other high-risk behav­iour including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“We are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across NSW for the long weekend. Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions.

We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break withouttragedy.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in re­ducing crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts,” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that Police enforcement figures show that double de­merit point periods do deter motorists from speeding and illegally using their mobile phone, while reminding them to wear their seatbelt/helmet.

“Drivers are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras will be active over the Easter break to catch people illegally using their phone whilst driving. Drivers will ac­crue 10 demerit points for all licence classes during the double demerit long weekend as well as receive a fine,” Ms Suitor said.

Have you started putting your look together yet? The Fashions of the Festival Parade is your chance to strut your ABBA style down Trundle’s main street.

Thousands of dancers are expected to descend on Trundle this May as the 2026 Trundle ABBA Festival attempts to turn the town’s famous main street into one giant disco dancefloor.

As part of the festivities on 2 May, organ­isers are inviting festival-goers of all ages and abilities to take part in a World Record Dance Competition, performing choreo­graphed moves to the chorus of Dancing Queen and Waterloo.

You don’t need to be a professional dancer, “If you can clap, sway or smile, you’re in,” organisers say.

An official choreography video has been released on the Festival facebook page, featuring simple, easy-to-follow moves de­signed so everyone can participate. Fes­tivalgoers are encouraged to practise at home with family and friends before gath­ering on the widest main street in NSW for what promises to be a glittering, unforget­table moment.

The festival will also feature International tribute act ABBASBACK®, Central West bands Handpicked, Dirty Dark Horses and Easy Goin’, A live singing final – top 3 final­ists perform live on the main stage, ABBAthemed vow renewals, A fashion parade with prizes for best dressedFood vendors, drinks and family-friendly fun.

Dedicated shuttle buses will operate from Parkes (Cooke Park) and Forbes (Harold Street, Victoria Park opposite Forbes Town Hall). Shuttle tickets are return fares, $30 per person.

Organisers encourage festival lovers to make their arrangements early and pre­pare to sparkle. Tickets and bus book­ings are available online now. https://trundleabbafestival.123tix.com.au/events

Cooke Park is where all the Homegrown Parkes action will be taking place this Saturday.

The Homegrown Parkes event in Cooke Park this Saturday, 21 March will feature two inspiring workshops in the Pavilion along with fabulous performances through­out the day.

Head along and meet local chef Monica Eric from Eric’s Table as she shares her love of Indian Cuisine. Her workshop will run in the Cooke Park Pavilion between 10.30am and 11.30am. Register at www.stickytickets.com.au/8SABFZThen Mark and Anne from Parkes Brew­house will be bringing things down a notch to teach us the basics of home brewing.

Their workshop will run between 12pm and 1pm in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Register at: www.stickytickets.com.au/8SABFZWhen you register for either of the work­shops, you will go into the running for some fantastic giveaways.

The musical line-up for the day will be kicking off with the Parkes Shire Concert Band at 9.10am in the Park followed by the Parkes School of Dance at 10am on the Pavilion main stage.

The Guwal Dance Group from Parkes High School will be joining the Homegrown fun for the first time at 11.30am, so please make them feel welcome.

Talented local singer, Cameron Sharp will be performing twice throughout the day on the Park stage, between 10.30am – 11.30am and 12pm and 1pm.

Rounding out the entertainment on the main stage, Parkes Music and Dramatic Society will be performing songs from Sis­ter Act the musical from 1pm.

Maree Yapp pictured in the centre and surrounded by her entourage of supporters. Local Member Phil Donato pictured on the left.

On Thursday, 5 March Member for Orange Philip Donato MP announced the recipi­ent of the 2026 Local Woman of the Year Award – Maree Yapp of Forbes.

“With so many women doing so many amazing things for their local communities across the electorate, it’s always a chal­lenge to single someone out,” Mr Donato said.

“It’s my absolute honour to officially name Maree Yapp as this year’s Local Woman of the Year for the Orange Electorate,” said Mr Donato.”

Maree received a call from Phil Donato MP the week before the announcement and could not believe what he was telling her. “I was “multitasking” when I answered the phone, juggling keys, unlocking gates and the excited chatter from students ar­riving for the school day surrounded me, making it harder to believe.” she said.

On the day of the announcement Maree still could not believe she was receiving this honor. “I read the certificate Mr Donato handed me just to make sure he had the right person and I glanced sideways at Mr Donato’s speech as he spoke in case it wasn’t written about me.”

“I am honoured. It was such a joy and a privilege to share the moment with my family and friends at a gathering of some amazing people who have guided me to become the person I have become. I have learned something from everyone present on the day and will continue to learn from going forward.” Maree said.

A powerful message from Parkes Farmers can be seen on the Newell Highway as you are entering Parkes, and the message is very clear, Parkes does not want to be Sydney’s dumping ground.

A march this Saturday is being organised by local farmers and members of the Parkes community who are concerned about the long-term future of our agricultural region if a proposed Energy from Waste facility goes ahead in Parkes.

Parkes farmer Sharon Woods “This land is more than just a business, it is our home, our history, and our children’s future. Our livelihoods, like those of so many farming families across this district, depend entirely on the health of our soil, our water, our mar­ket access and our community. This march is about protecting the integrity, productivity and future of our region.”

Mayor Neil Westcott said, “As the May­or of Parkes Shire and as a farmer in our Shire, I fully support the march taking place this Saturday. There is no doubt about the anxiety this issue has caused among our rural constituents. The weekend will be a strong display of solidarity across all levels of government, sending a clear message that Parkes is not the place for an Energy from Waste facility.”

Phil Donato MP has also thrown his sup­port behind the march, saying: “The Parkes community don’t want this facility in their backyard. If it’s not good enough to go in Sydney, then it’s not good enough to be forced onto Parkes and other regional com­munities. Sydney should be responsible for managing its own waste.”

Meet at the Sir Henry Parkes Statue this Saturday 28 February at 9.30am to join the march to Cooke Park. Speakers on the day will include Sharon Woods – Local Farmer, Philip Donato MP, Rebecca Reardon – NSW Farmers and Cr Joy Paddison.

Andrea Helen Hamilton-Vaughan pictured presenting the power nap strategy at the road transport industry round table in Federal Parliament on my left Mr. Michael Kaine, CEO of the Transport Workers Union and on my right, Mr Tim Daw­son, Chair, Industry Skills Australia (Transport & Logistics).

National Driver Fatigue Week (21–27 Feb­ruary) is shining a spotlight on one of the most dangerous and underestimated risks on Australian roads — driver fatigue — led by a local woman whose lived experience has grown into an award-winning national road safety campaign.

Parkes advocate Andrea Helen Hamil­ton-Vaughan has turned personal tragedy into action, creating the Power Nap fatigue prevention campaign now gaining national recognition across the heavy vehicle and road safety sectors.

Driver fatigue is a factor in more than 20 per cent of Australia’s road fatalities, yet for decades drivers have been told to simply “get a good night’s sleep” or “take regular breaks” — advice that does little to help when fatigue strikes while already behind the wheel.

“The science is clear,” Ms HamiltonVaughan said. “Fatigue is not solved by willpower. The only solution for fatigue is sleep. A short, planned power nap when fatigue first appears can save lives.”

National Driver Fatigue Week promotes the Power Nap message — encouraging drivers to stop and take a 15–20 minute nap at the earliest signs of fatigue.

Research shows this simple intervention restores alertness, improves reaction time and significantly reduces crash risk, with modelling suggesting fatigue-related fatali­ties could be reduced by up to 20 per cent if widely adopted.

What began as a grassroots campaign has grown into a nationally recognised safety initiative, earning multiple industry awards.