Originally developed as a brickworks site, the Brick Pit was transformed into a stormwater storage basin over 20 years ago.

The Parkes Brick Pit, which is located on Powter Street, serves as a publicly acces­sible water source for limited use, such as watering gardens and supplying livestock.

Acknowledging the likely increase in its use during summer, Parkes Shire Council recently carried out water quality testing to assess its safety and suitability. The results showed that conductivity levels are current­ly 3650 μS/cm, indicating high salinity and rendering the water unsuitable for general use.

Michael Chambers, Manager of Environ­ment and Sustainability at Parkes Shire Council, strongly advises residents against using water from the brick pit on gardens and turf, given current salinity levels.

“The Brick Pit’s salt levels are above the acceptable threshold of around 800 μS/cm for plants, although some species can toler­ate higher levels,” Mr Chambers explained.

“Using the brick pit water could cause se­rious issues for landholders, including soil degradation,dehydration of plants, deficien­cies in essential nutrients, and ion toxicity.”

Despite these concerns, Council will con­tinue to permit residents to extract water from the brick pit, emphasising that doing so comes at their own risk.

“Residents are advised to use the water sparingly and to flush systems with potable water regularly to mitigate salt build-up and prevent long-term harm to their plants and soils,” said Mr Chambers.

The water quality at the Brick Pit is also unsuitable for certain livestock, such as poultry and pigs. However, it remains within the safe range for horses, cattle, and sheep.

Originally developed as a brickworks site, the Brick Pit was transformed into a storm­water storage basin over 20 years ago.

Since then, it has been maintained as a free resource for residents to help supplement their water supplies, particularly during dry periods.

For more information about utilising water from the Brick Pit you can contact Council on 02 6861 2333.

When local families are forced to travel for medical care, something as simple as a hot meal can make an overwhelming time easier. A local fundraising effort by Meals on Wheels Parkes and Forbes has resulted in more than 220 meals being provided to Ronald McDonald House Orange.

The idea for the fundraiser came from a conversation about how often people from the Parkes and Forbes communities rely on Ronald McDonald House Orange when travelling for medical care.

Similar to Meals on Wheels services, the house relies heavily on volunteers and com­munity support to help provide meals for those staying there.

Recognising the shared values between the two services, Jamie Webb and Carolyn Rice from Meals on Wheels Parkes and Forbes proposed a simple but meaningful way to help — inviting Meals on Wheels clients and volunteers to donate the cost of just one meal to help fill the house’s freezers in the lead-up to Christmas.

Running throughout October, the initiative raised $1,780, which directly funded more than 220 meals. These meals will help ease daily pressures for families who are often far from home, supporting loved ones through

illness.

On 15 December, Jamie Webb and Caro­lyn Rice visited Ronald McDonald House Orange, where they met with Rebecca Walsh, Executive Officer of Ronald McDon­ald House Charities Central West NSW, to witness the arrival of the first delivery of meals.

The meals were kindly delivered by Sa­rah Thomas, Manager of Bathurst Meals on

Wheels, who generously supported the ini­tiative and will continue supplying meals as required by the house.

A tour of the facility provided an opportu­nity to share stories, experiences, and the strong sense of community that underpins all three services.

This fundraiser shows how small ideas supported by local communities can make a real difference during difficult times.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Neil Westcott, has extended warm congratulations to respected local businessman and former Parkes Shire Councillor and Deputy Mayor Alan Ward on his election as Chair of the Skillset Board – a prestigious leadership role within one of the region’s foremost organisations for education, training and employment.

“Alan has been a tireless advocate for our community and brings an exceptional level of business acumen to this position,” Mayor Westcott said. “His experience serving on national boards across both business and not-for-profit sectors demonstrates the depth of leadership and strategic insight he offers.”

Mr Ward served the Parkes Shire community for 13 years as a councillor, including three years as Deputy Mayor, and has contin­ued to champion regional growth through his business interests and community involvement. His appointment as Chair of Skillset will help strengthen programs that create pathways to skills devel­opment, training and employment across the Central West.

Skillset is a not-for-profit organisation committed to empower­ing individuals through education, training and workforce solutions.

Parkes Shire Council is proud to have been a founding member and shareholder of Skillset, reflecting the Council’s long-standing commitment to building opportunities for the region.

“Skillset’s work is vital for our future, and having someone with Alan’s experience and passion at the helm is a tremendous asset,” Mayor Westcott said. “On behalf of Parkes Shire Council and our community, I congratulate Alan and wish him every success in this important role.”