Construction is officially underway on the Graddle Creek Bridge, with a sod-turning event being attended by many local com­munity members in support of this signifi­cant regional project.

The event was also attended by the Mem­ber for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, and NSW MLC Stephen Law­rence.

Funded by the NSW Government and Parkes Shire Council, this project was awarded $7.99 million under the NSW Gov­ernment’s Fixing Country Roads program, with a total investment of $8.14 million.

The current crossing at Graddle (Genaren) Creek has long been a concern for local residents, freight operators, and emergency services, and this project will deliver a new, higher bridge that will remove the need for vehicles to use the existing low-level cause­way.

Furthermore, road realignments on either side of the bridge will remove the dog-leg turn and provide safer, straighter approach­es. The McGrane Way is a designated re­gional road train and AB Triple route linking Narromine, Parkes and Lachlan Shires. It is a vital corridor for transporting grain, live­stock, and goods, as well as supporting pro­posed mining operations.

More than 260 vehicles use the route per day, including a high proportion of heavy ve­hicles. Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said the whole community is looking forward to the completion of this project. “The existing low level causeway is highly vulnerable during flood events, often resulting in road closures and forcing heavy vehicles to take detours of around 200 kilometres. This vital invest­ment will eliminate this and significantly im­prove safety, resilience, and connectivity for the region,” Cr Westcott said.

“We’re grateful for the NSW Govern­ment’s funding support and are pleased to be working with local Peak Hill-based com­pany Dearnu Pty Ltd to deliver this project” he said.

Construction of the new bridge is expect­ed to be completed by the end of 2026.

For many years, the team at Forbes Pre­school had talked about the possibility of hosting an art show. It was one of those wonderful ideas that kept getting pushed down the “to do later” list as other things popped up. But this year, it finally hap­pened, and with a heartfelt purpose.

With many local families having spent time at Ronald McDonald House in both Central West and Westmead, this was the perfect opportunity to give back. The Pre­school team and children worked hard in the many weeks leading up to the exhibition ensuring a successful Art show and Auction.

The preschool was buzzing with excite­ment as families, friends, and locals came together to admire the children’s artwork, bid on donated pieces from local artists, and take part in raffles and silent auctions.

The walls were filled with colour, laughter echoed throughout, and there was a sense of pride in what everyone had helped to cre­ate.

Director of the Preschool, Amy Shine ex­pressed “A massive thank you to everyone who donated their time, prizes, and art; to those who bought raffle tickets, artwork, and just came along to show support. None of it would have been possible without you.

“I would especially like to acknowledge the hard work of the Preschool team, they worked so hard leading up to the event and on the night, without their collective efforts none of this would have been made possi­ble, their dedication, commitment and crea­tivity continues to go above and beyond.”

What started as an idea many years ago has now become a highlight of the year, a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for a cause that truly matters. It was a huge suc­cess, with the final profit of $20,000 being shared between the Ronald McDonald Houses.

The Salvation Army is calling on the commu­nity of Central NSW to dig deep this Christ­mas as they launch their annual Christmas Appeal, aimed at helping those who need support during the festive season.

The Christmas period can intensify finan­cial and emotional pressures for those al­ready experiencing disadvantage. As high prices continue to put stress on local indi­viduals and families, the Salvos goal of $29 million for their Christmas Appeal this year is vital to ensure people get the help they need this Christmas.

During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally: re­ceived over 350,000 gifts and toys for fami­lies who might otherwise have gone with­out, provided over 177,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness, and provided more than 89,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation during the festive season.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Ar­my’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need sup­port from The Salvos, please visit salvation­army.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any local Salvos Store.