The NSW Government’s firearms buyback scheme announced has raised serious concerns over compensation, the treatment of licensed firearms owners and dealers, and nothing to back-up their assertion this program will actually address illegal firearms and firearm-related crime.

The scheme is expected to commence on 2 November, with approximately 274,000 firearms and 50,000 licence holders expected to be affected.

Independent NSW MP Phil Donato said the announcement represented another major burden being placed on people who had done nothing wrong.

“These are law-abiding people who have complied with the rules, paid their fees, stored their firearms properly and followed the law. They are now being told that property they lawfully purchased can be taken from them – in most cases for well below its market value.”

The fixed compensation arrangements are expected to range from approximately $450 for an air rifle to $1,000 for centre-fire firearms, with handguns also included in the scheme.

“The government needs to explain how it arrived at these figures. A fixed payment of $450 or $1,000 does not necessarily reflect what these firearms are actually worth,” said Mr Donato.

Council’s Biosecurity Team at work

Parkes Shire Council’s Biosecurity Team has completed thousands of kilometres of inspections and helped prevent the spread of invasive weeds over the past 12 months, protecting the region’s environment, agricultural industries and local communities.

During the 2025/26 financial year, the team inspected more than 4,550 kilometres of roads, 46 kilometres of rail corridors and 12 kilometres of waterways to monitor and manage priority weeds across the Shire.

The team also carried out inspections at 15 high-risk sites, including nurseries, pet shops, saleyards and landscape suppliers, as well as 113 private rural and urban properties, 19 Council-managed sites and 17 state-managed sites.

One of the team’s biggest success stories has been its ongoing work to eradicate Parthenium Weed, one of Australia’s most invasive weeds. Since the weed was first detected on a private property in Parkes Shire in 2020, Council has undertaken regular inspections of the infestation site and surrounding roadsides, neighbouring land and nearby state forest.

These efforts have delivered outstanding results, with infestations reduced from more than 500 plants in 2020 to just 20 plants in 2024, and no Parthenium Weed detected during inspections in either 2025 or 2026.

In addition to inspections, the Biosecurity Team is committed to educating the community about invasive weeds and biosecurity risks. During the past year, the team attended four regional shows across the Shire, providing advice to residents and landholders about identifying and managing priority weeds.

Council reminds all landholders that under the Biosecurity Act 2015, everyone has a shared responsibility to prevent, eliminate and minimise biosecurity risks on their land.

Residents seeking advice on priority weeds or their biosecurity responsibilities are encouraged to contact Parkes Shire Council.

LEFT: Pictured selling raffle tickets out the front of Westpac Bank in Parkes is Norma Garment from the Anglican Women’s Association. RIGHT: St Georges Anglican Church.

In 2025, Parkes celebrated 150 years of Anglican ministry. The first Anglican church building in the district was a wooden structure erected about 1875, which was burned down in 1876.

A parish hall was built about 1889, which was used as a church until St George’s was built in 1926/7. The church was consecrated in 1946 and in 1953 a decision was made to complete the church by building the west end. The cost back then for the church building and furniture was 14,000 pounds.

With a building of such size and age it can be expected that repairs may be needed along the way to keep it in good health.

That’s where the Anglican Women’s Association (AWA) have stepped up to help fundraise to fix a leaky roof at St Georges Anglican Church in Hill St.

Norma Garment from the AWA was set up last weekend out the front of Westpac in Parkes selling raffle tickets for the “St Georges Roof Fund”. Prizes have been donated by local businesses, first prize being a Buttabeef meat voucher and a fruit and vegetable pack form IGA, second prize is a Ron Dunford’s gift box and third prize a beautiful hand crocheted rug.

Norma will be set up selling tickets at Westpac every Saturday up until the raffle will be drawn at the St Georges Anglican Church Street Stall.

The AWA Street Stall will be located out the front of Discount Daves on 4 September with a selection of cakes, jams and goodies for sale. The ladies will be there until lunchtime when the raffle will be drawn.

A charity appeal has also been launched through the Return & Earn can/bottle refund system. If you have cans and bottles to recycle just simply search for ‘roof appeal’ and find the St George’s Roof appeal in the list of charities and donate your can refund to the appeal.

Australians are being encouraged to recognise the dads and father figures who keep local sport moving, with nominations now open for the 2026 Community Sports Dad of the Year.

The national award recognises the people behind community sport: the dads coaching from the sidelines, managing teams, fundraising, driving kids to training and taking on the countless jobs that keep local clubs running.

Nominations are open now and the winner will be announced ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The winning dad will receive a Philips Reverse Osmosis Water Station valued at $1,299 RRP, while their community sporting club will receive a $5,000 Rebel Sport voucher for new clothing or sporting equipment. The person behind the winning nomination will also receive a Philips Multi-groom 7000 grooming kit, valued at $229 RRP.

Community Sports Dad of the Year founder Paul Masluk said the award was created to recognise the people whose contribution to local sport often happens quietly.

Submissions close at midnight AEST on 27 August 2026. Nominate a deserving dad in 100 words or less via www.sportsdads.com.au/community.

Skillset officially opened its new Parkes office, marking the organisation’s return to the local community and reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting employment, training and workforce development across the Central West.

Having previously operated in Parkes, Skillset is re-establishing a permanent local presence to better support local businesses, job seekers, apprentices, trainees and community members.

Formerly known as Central West Group Apprentices, the organisation first opened an office in Parkes in 1993. The Group became Skillset in 2007 and maintained an office at Shop 4, 364 Clarinda Street, Parkes until 2013. Since then, Skillset maintained a part-time presence at the Parkes TAFE campus.

The return to Parkes is part of Skillset’s commitment to being present in the communities it serves. By delivering services locally, the organisation can better understand the unique needs of businesses and individuals while making it easier for employers to access tailored workforce solutions and support.

The new Skillset office at 21 Court Street, Parkes is open 9am-5pm. Local employers, job seekers, apprentices, trainees, students and community members are invited to connect with the team at the office or call 1300 853 525 and learn more about the employment, training and workforce development opportunities.

Pictured is support worker, Le Tyr-Egge.

Established in 1977, Neighbourhood Central is a not-for-profit community organisation providing a variety of community support services to people living in the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Bland Local Government areas.

The organisation has more than 40 aged care professionals, spanning direct and indirect roles, collaborating every day to make a positive difference in the lives of older Australians.

On Friday, 7 August Neighbourhood Central proudly celebrated Aged Care Employee Day, recognising the dedication, compassion and hard work of their aged care team. This was Neighbourhood Central’s inaugural year celebrating Aged Care Employee Day and they are eager to make this a tradition for years to come.

Staff came together to enjoy a morning tea as a small token of appreciation, for the important work they do every day to support the older people in our community.

For the wonderful support workers who were out caring for clients and unable to join the celebration, chocolates were delivered throughout the day so they didn’t miss out.

From Neighbourhood Central’s leaders and nurses to personal care workers, volunteers, cooks, builders, administrators, and more, every role contributes to the wellbeing of older Australians.

On Aged Care Employee Day, Neighbourhood Central extended a sincere thanks to everyone working in aged care across Australia. Your compassion, dedication and commitment make a real difference in the lives of older Australians every day. Thank you for all that you do.

Neighbourhood Central is located at 8082 Currajong Street, Parkes. For information regarding the support services offered call 1300 810 771, email reception@ncentral.org.au or visit www.ncentral.org.au

It’s been a busy few weeks around the electorate and in Parliament. During last sitting week I raised serious concerns about the Government’s approach to feral pig management. Farmers across the region are already spending significant time and money trying to control feral pigs, which destroy crops, damage fences, attack livestock, contaminate water sources and devastate the environment.

Yet instead of providing greater assistance, the Government is threatening significant biosecurity penalties for landholders who cannot eliminate feral pig populations from their properties. I argued that farmers should be supported, not punished. I also raised concerns about unnecessary barriers being placed in front of farmers and professional pest controllers seeking access to practical pest-management tools already provided for under the law, including Category D firearm licences for coordinated pest control programs and firearm suppressors for occupational health and safety purposes. Importantly, I highlighted reports of significant feral pig activity within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Federal Falls, questioning why private landholders face penalties while feral pig populations continue to thrive on government managed land.

I called for practical and innovative solutions, including greater involvement of recreational hunters; a feral animal bounty program; competitive tendering for privately operated aerial culling services; and stronger partnerships between government, landholders and pest controllers. I will continue advocating for common-sense measures that help landholders protect their livelihoods, the environment and our agricultural industries.