Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Stakeholders And Community Members Voice Their Concerns

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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

Labor’s Energy Crisis Hits Families In Parkes Electorate

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New data has revealed the impact the Al­banese Labor Government’s disastrous en­ergy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regu­lator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Na­tionally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaf­fey said the energy crisis was heaping pres­sure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes elector­ate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Austral­ians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

Bianca Coster Nominated For The 2026 Western Nsw Business Awards

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Branch Manager for Parkes and Orange at Sullivans Mining & Industrial (SMI), Bianca Coster has been named a finalist for the Western NSW Business Awards.


Business NSW has announced the final­ists for the 2026 Western NSW Business Awards. Now in its 14th year, the West­ern NSW Business Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship, and celebrate business success and resilience.

This year Biancan Coster of Parkes has been named a finalist for the Outstanding Young Business Leader category.

35-year-old Bianca Coster is the MultiBranch Manager for Parkes and Orange at Sullivans Mining & Industrial (SMI). In her role she oversees the day-to-day op­erations across both branches, delivering reliable service, strong product availabil­ity, and practical solutions to customers across industries like mining, agriculture, civil, and manufacturing.

Bianca takes great pride in her role and said, “My focus is on building strong teams, maintaining high service stand­ards, and making sure our customers have access to the consumables, PPE, and industrial supplies they need to keep their sites running safely and efficiently.”

On being nominated and then named a

finalist, Bianca said, “Finding out I’d been nominated honestly caught me complete­ly off guard. It’s not something you ex­pect, especially when you’re just focused on doing your job.

“Being named a finalist took that feeling to another level. It’s incredibly rewarding, but also a reminder that the work we do behind the scenes, building relationships, supporting industry, and showing up con­sistently doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Vicki Seccombe, Regional Director – Western NSW at Business NSW, said “I believe our business community is one of the strongest in Regional NSW. It’s been an incredibly challenging year for many businesses and continues to be so, so these awards are a wonderful opportu­nity to celebrate the ingenuity, strength and entrepreneurial spirit of our Western NSW business community,” said Ms Sec­combe.

Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Celebration on Friday the 15 May 2026, to be hosted in Orange at the Orange Ex-Services Club.

$2 Million Investment To Support Climate-smart Flock Management

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Sheep producers across NSW and Victoria facing increasing cli­mate variability will benefit from a new $2 million project deliver­ing demonstration sites, workshops and case studies showcasing climate-smart flock management.

Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in partnership with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farm­ing Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the initiative will engage more than 500 producers over the next three years.

The project will trial a range of precision livestock technologies including in-paddock livestock weighing and satellite-based pas­ture monitoring, which can provide producers with real-time in­sights into flock performance and feed availability.

Combined with strategic grazing and nutrition practices, these tools can support informed decisions on stocking rates and feed allocation, helping producers reduce methane emissions, improve soil health and water retention, enhance animal productivity, and build resilience in their businesses.

CWFS Executive Officer Diana Fear said the project is an im­portant opportunity to bring the latest innovations directly to farm­ing communities. “This project will establish demonstration sites across different farming systems, backed by workshops and ex­tension activities that give producers the confidence to trial and adopt climate-smart practices themselves.”

“Ultimately, we hope this project empowers producers to improve productivity and resilience while contributing to a low-emissions fu­ture for the sheep industry.”

The project runs from October 2025 to June 2028 and is funded from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Currajong Disability Services Hosts Successful Super Tag Gala Day

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Currajong Disability Services, in part­nership with Parkes Spacemen and the NSWRL hosted a successful Super Tag Gala Day at Pioneer Oval on Tuesday 14 April.

Parkes players were joined by players who travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The idea for the gala day began when Andrew Thomas, President of Parkes Spacemen was in Dubbo watching a Super Tag game and sent a video of it to Douglas Pout, from Currajong Disability Services.

The rest is now history.

Andrew Thomas said, “At the moment there are three clubs in the PMP playing Super Tag, and we are hoping Parkes will be the fourth.”

The participants were taken through warm ups and skill drills by NSWRL to start off, learning what you have to do, how to move the ball around and how you run with each other. After that players took part in a few games, running 15 minutes each way.

Douglas Pout from Currajong Disability Services said he hoped this event will be the first of many. “What I’d love to see is for this to become a multiday event, where we can have teams come from all over and come here to play.”

Brooke Mallison, NSWRL Club and Com­petition Co-ordinator said, “We will come out and support these days in co-ordinat­ing them and working with all the disability services in the local areas. We will get on board with the NRL guys that come out and they will run different skills and drills to the ability levels of all the participants.”

Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success, including major sponsor Parkes Fitness4All, BRITT Physi­otherapy, Parkes Shire Council and Evolu­tion Mining and all of the staff at Currajong Disability Services along with the other ser­vice providers who helped make the day possible.

Brooke Mallison, Douglas Pout, Andy Thomas and Toby Kable.


Volunteers from Parkes Spacemen and training staff from NSWRL.


The Lake Macquarie/Hunter Region team who travelled to Parkes to partake in the gala day.

Parkes Shire Cultural Grants Return For 2026

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Peak Hill sisters Cathy Bendall (left) and Sue van der Reyden took part in the flower arranging workshop using native flowers. The Peak Hill PA&H Association received funding in 2025 to deliver Crafting Connections workshops before the Peak Hill Show.

Local community groups and organisations are being encouraged to turn their creative ideas into reality, with applications opening for Parkes Shire Council’s 2026 Cultural Grants Program on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

The annual program provides financial support to initiatives that enrich the cultural life of the Parkes Shire – whether through art, music, workshops or community events.

Grants of $2,000 or more are available, with a total funding pool of $10,000 to sup­port projects that bring people together and celebrate local creativity. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, and successful applicants will be announced at the Council Meeting on 16 June 2026.

The program has already helped deliver a range of successful local projects. In 2025, funding supported Parkes Community Arts to expand the popular Who Is Parkes pro­ject with additional large-scale images across Parkes and surrounding townships.

The Peak Hill PA&H Association also re­ceived funding to deliver Crafting Connec­tions workshops before the Peak Hill Show, featuring hands-on activities such as flower arranging, macramé, cheese making and Viking knit jewellery.

Secretary of the Peak Hill Show Commit­tee in 2025, Stephanie Williams, said the grant made a meaningful difference to com­munity participation.

“We held four workshops prior to the 120th Peak Hill Show funded by the grant.

The workshops helped to bolster our al­ready phenomenal pavilion. We managed to attract participants who would normally not have showcased items in the pavilion,” Ms Williams said.

Community groups are encouraged to start planning now and take advantage of the support available.

To learn more or apply, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs or contact Council’s Cultural, Education and Library Services team on (02) 6861 2338.

For assistance with preparing your appli­cation, Council’s Grants Team is also avail­able at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

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A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving dif­ficult across multiple classes from the out­set of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his open­ing heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and high­lighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their rac­ing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Ser­vices, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.

Sign The Petition To Fuel The Bush

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Servos across rural communities are run­ning out of diesel. Farmers are rationing fuel. Truckies are walking off runs they’ve done for generations. And it’s spreading.

If this keeps going, the harvest stops. The trucks stop. The food chain breaks.

Keep the Sheep is stepping up and launching Fuel the Bush. A new campaign to force the Albanese Government to guar­antee fuel security for rural Australia. Ben Sutherland from Keep the Sheep said “It’s all connected. The same bureaucrats in Canberra who shut down live exports are the same ones leaving rural communities to run dry. The same people who don’t understand farming don’t understand why diesel matters.”

Keep the Sheep are calling on the Prime Minister to: Prioritise fuel supply for agricul­ture as a critical industry, Guarantee fuel deliveries to rural communities, Fast-track Australian refining so we’re not at the mer­cy of broken supply chains and Ensure fer­tiliser is sourced from additional avenues so Australian farmers can grow the food we need.

“We need to show Canberra that rural Australia is watching, and that we’ve got the numbers to back it up,” said Ben. Sign the petition at www.fuelthebush.com.au

Rock Band Vibes Hits Parkes These School Holidays

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Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is turn­ing up the volume these school holidays bycelebrating Youth Week with Rock Band Vibes, a high-energy, hands-on music ex­perience for young people aged 12–22, happening on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Whether you’ve never picked up an in­strument or already love to play, this begin­ner-friendly workshop is all about jumping in, trying new things, and making music to­gether.

Across the 2.5-hour session, participants will rotate through guitar, bass, drums, vo­cals and keys – before choosing a favourite and as a group, form an instant band.

Starting with the basics, you’ll have the chance to build confidence quickly and learn parts of a song that matches their skill level. Everyone will work as a group, piece together a popular song with a focus on timing, teamwork and performance skills – then wrap it up with a full run-through so the newly formed band is stage-ready.

“We’re excited to have Dave Cutler from Forbes Guitar Academy leading the ses­sions. He brings a wealth of experience and a real passion for making music accessible to young people,” said Creative Learning Coordinator Sharon Degeling.

Then it’s time to hit the stage at Jam Night! After the workshop, participants (and other young performers) will have the opportunity to perform in a fun, supportive live music setting. No pressure – just good vibes, crea­tivity, and celebrating local talent.

This event is part of NSW Youth Week from 16 – 26 April and is proudly supported by Parkes Community Arts and the Office for Youth (Department of Communities and Justice). For information contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or book your spot at https://events.humanitix.com/rock-band-vibes-youth-event

Free School Holiday Kids Club: 14-17 April

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There is no excuse for young people in Parkes to be bored these school holidays, with a free Kids Club running from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April at 1 Talbot St, Parkes, from 10am – 12 noon and the best part is it’s free to attend for all kids aged 4 years – 12 years.

Co-ordinated by STORM Co, Kids Club is a total blast, with pup­pets, clowns, skits, games, crafts, singing, Bible stories, parachute activity, balloons, face painting and so much more – all for free.

What’s more there’s a free coffee shop for parents and carers, of­fering hot drinks and delicious treats. The friendly team will make you feel very welcome.

STORM Co was created in 1995 on the Gold Coast, based on the concept of young people serving their communities via kids clubs, yard clean ups, and generally helping the community wher­ever they can. The idea quickly spread throughout Australia, with STORM Co’s now operating around the world, usually run by young people from big cities, to help out small country towns.

The Adventist church and Sanitarium both sponsor Kids Club, and there are many individual STORM Co teams around Australia that run these events each year. For instance, a STORM Co team from Wollongong visit Condobolin each year to run a Kids Club and serve the community in many other ways too.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the free Kids Club and parents are encouraged to enjoy the free coffee shop. Assuming that Kids Club is a success in Parkes during the April school holi­days, STORM Co plan to run a monthly kids club on the first Sat­urday of each month. Keep an eye out for this!

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