Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM joined over 50 local government elected officials to launch a nationwide spokesper-son group for climate action – led by the Cities Power Partnership. He is with Dr Portia Odell, Director of the Cities Power Partnership.

The Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith are among a group of 52 mayors and councillors from across Australia who launched a nationwide coalition of local government elected officials advocating for stronger action on climate change to state and federal governments. 

Local Leaders – an initiative from the Cities Power Partnership – was launched at a breakfast event in Canberra last week at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly. 

“Our community wants serious action on climate change, which is why I’ve joined dozens of other local government representatives to amplify our message to a national level,” said the Parkes Mayor. 

“It’s important to make our communities’ needs heard by the state and federal government, because we can achieve change locally. Speaking out in the media will help us inspire other communities to capitalise on the benefits a net zero emissions economy brings.” 

Dr Portia Odell, Director of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of local governments working towards net zero emissions said: “Local governments have long been leading the way on actions that reduce emissions and set communities up for a thriving future, however their voice is often left out of the media. 

“As a Local Leader, the Cities Power Partnership team will work with Mayor Ken Keith on climate-related media opportunities where he can represent the Parkes Shire community on a local, national and sometimes even international level. 

“We offer free media support and training to our Local Leaders, because we want to amplify the great work being done in our communities to tackle climate change. 

“Cities Power Partnership is part of the Climate Council, Australia’s leading climate 

communications organisation, which allows our Local Leaders to be supported by world-class communications expertise.” 

Leaders membership is free and open to mayors and councillors from the 170+ councils around Australia that are part of the Cities Power Partnership. 

Michelle Wetherell won the NSW Women in Mining Gender Diversity Champion Award in Sydney last week.

A CMOC-Northparkes Mines employee has been recognised for her innovative program on parental leave by winning a prestigious mining award last week in Sydney.

Michelle Wetherell, Superintendent – Human Resources, Training & Organisational Development at Northparkes, won the NSW Women in Mining Gender Diversity Champion Award.

The NSW Women in Mining Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of leading women in the NSW mining industry with awards in five categories.

Michelle won the award for her work in overseeing the introduction of the company’s parental leave program which resulted in a 100% return to work rate. Michelle has championed more flexible work-life-balance for all employees, including overseeing the first job-share arrangement in an operational role.

Since taking on the superintendent role in 2017, she has played a significant role in developing championing initiatives supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Michelle is also the Northparkes representative on the Parkes Domestic Violence Committee and led the work that resulted in Northparkes attaining White Ribbon accreditation in 2016.

In 2020, Michelle led work and rolled out an update to employee performance descriptors that recognises and rewards employees and leaders at all levels who lead with increased care and support initiatives to create diverse and equitable teams.

Winners will go on to represent NSW at the Women in Resources National Awards, hosted by the Minerals Council Australia in Canberra later in the year.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack with the Australian Electoral Commission’s Riverina Divisional Re-turning Officer Alison Poulton (left) and his wife Catherine (right).

Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was officially declared the winner of the 21st May Federal Election in the Division of Riverina with 64.85% of the two-candidate preferred vote. 

Michael, who will be serving a fifth consecutive term in Parliament, thanked the people of the Riverina and Central West for giving him the honour of representing them in Federal Parliament for another term. 

“The sense of responsibility and commitment I felt when I was first elected to Parliament in 2010 are just as strong now as they were 12 years ago,” he said today in Wagga Wagga on Monday at the official declaration of the poll for the Division of Riverina. 

“Among the many issues I spoke about in my first speech to Parliament in October 2010 were the concerns people had about the increasing costs of living, water security, the need for improved health facilities and the value and contribution of our farmers,” he said. 

“These issues are as important now as they were then and I will continue to advocate on them for and on behalf of the people of the Riverina and Central West. 

“Now, more than ever, the Riverina and Central West needs a strong voice standing up for them in Canberra and that will be one of my main priorities over the next term of Parliament.” 

Michael will serve in the Shadow Ministry as Opposition spokesman for International Development and the Pacific. 

“There are many ties between the Riverina and the Pacific nations and I look forward to enriching the relationship for the betterment of the Pacific Islander people and our region.”

Former Parkes resident Michael Carrington won his second Logie on Sunday night for the hugely popular animated children’s series Bluey on ABC TV.

A Parkes High School graduate was awarded his second Logie for the hugely popular animated children’s series Bluey on ABC TV. 

Micheal Carrington, who graduated at Parkes High School in 1979 and also worked at 2PK, won the Logie on Sunday night for the Most Outstanding Children’s Program at the award ceremony on the Gold Coast. 

This is just one of a multitude of awards Michael has won in his career. As the ABC’s Director of Entertainment and Specialist, Michael told the ABC: “As I leave the corporation next month, I’d like to acknowledge the ABC’s role in championing Australian stories and nurturing our home-grown talent has never been more important and I was thrilled to see ABC’s contribution recognised at last night’s awards.” 

In his role, Michael oversees the commissioning and distribution of the ABC’s drama, comedy, Indigenous, music, children’s, entertainment and factual content across its television and national radio networks, plus digital services such as ABC iview and ABC listen. Entertainment & Specialist also includes the specialist genres of arts, science, religion and ethics, education and society and culture. 

Michael has worked across creative development, production management and commissioning of content in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. He joined the ABC in 2016 having previously worked at Channel 10 and the Discovery Channel, before joining the BBC as Channel Controller and Creative Director of CBeebies. 

As a first-generation Australian of Russian and English heritage, he is a strong believer in public service broadcasting. He admires great stories that represent and reflect the variety and richness of Australia’s cultures and people. Programmes such as Bluey, First Day, Total Control, Mystery Road, Stateless and Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister? demonstrate Michael’s deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

The first monthly meeting of the Parkes Gamers Group went very well with the next one planned for July.

The very first meeting of the year for the Parkes Gamers Group last Friday in the MarraMarra Makerspace at the Parkes Shire Library was attended by 14 players.

A big range of games were played ranging from board games to tabletop, skirmish and card games.

“It was fantastic to see such a variety being played at our first event,” said Jacob Cass, one of the organisers. “After COVID-19 had put our plans to launch the group on hold and kept us at home, it was great to see so many people attend.”

The Parkes Gamers Group meets monthly at the MarraMarra Makerspace and is a free community event. It is open to all ages with children under 15 needing an accompanying adult. “We have many veteran players in the club who are happy to teach new players how to play,” said Jacob. “We encourage everyone to come and see what we offer from board games to Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Kings of War and Dungeons and Dragons… the possibilities are endless!”

The next meeting of the Parkes Gamers Club will be on Friday, 22nd July from 6pm. More information on the group is available on their Facebook page; search for Parkes Gamers Group.

Four young Parkes brothers, also known as the Dyagang Boys, are fast making a name for themselves with two performances over the past week. 

Tyrece (11), twins Abel and Ashton (7) and Keanau (8) Robinson-Towney were dancing with the River Spirits Dance Group at Frost & Fire in Forbes on Saturday, and on Monday they were part of the Welcome to Country performance at the Parkes Mental Health Expo at the Services Club. 

The four Holy Family students and their father enjoy their cultural dancing and performances that include playing the didgeridoo. 

The four brothers on stage at the Parkes Services Club on Monday with their didgeridoos.

Parkes volunteers Lyn Pengilly, Pauline Nicholson and Val Glasheen received their certificates from Member for Orange Phil Donato MP last Friday. Pat Drabsch was not able to attend the ceremony in Lucknow.

Four Parkes residents were among the recipients of the Orange electorate’s 2022 Community Recognition Presentation held in Lucknow last Friday.

Lynette Pengilly, Pauline Nicholson, Val Glasheen and Pat Drabsch, also known as The Canteen Ladies, at the Parkes Tennis Club received their awards from Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP. These wonderful volunteers have kept the Parkes Tennis Club canteen running for more than 40 years and were an integral part of the working committee.

“It’s an honour to publicly recognise and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of people and organisations in our local communities,” said Phil.

He presented a certificate to each award recipient, upon which is endorsed the speech he delivered in the NSW Parliament earlier in the year, to officially recognise them. 

“There are many people among us who go under the radar, humbly serving the community or who are quietly achieving.

“I’m hosting this inaugural awards event to acknowledge individuals and organisations who’ve contributed to the community, or who’ve achieved remarkable personal or professional accomplishments.

“It never ceases to amaze me as I continue to discover individuals and organisations across the Orange electorate, doing unique and extraordinary things. 

“Recognising people from our community is one of the most rewarding things about my job as the elected representative for Orange, celebrating their remarkable work and efforts.

“Most of these people don’t seek accolades or public recognition, they’re motivated people who possess attributes such as team and community spirit, care for fellow citizens and community, dedication and passion for their vocation or interest.

“This day is about them – they’re what makes our country community so special,” Phil said.

Helen Magill said the Canteen Ladies were very excited when they received the invitation, “but like all great volunteers they love what they’ve been able to do for our community and it’s never been about seeking recognition”.