General Interest Archives - Page 33 of 351

Buddy Boy Kitchen Brings Big City Flavours To Parkes

July 17, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Tucked inside the Parkes International Motor Inn on Peak Hill Road, Buddy Boy Kitchen is introducing something new to the local dining scene. With a menu inspired by bold, contemporary flavours and a focus on quality ingredients, our restaurant offers fresh options for breakfast, dinner, and a relaxed evening drink.

Buddy Boy Kitchen opened in April 2025 with the aim of bringing something different to Parkes. The goal is to create an approachable space with a menu that feels modern and is grounded with local ingredients. From prawn linguine to scotch fillet, our dishes are designed to be both satisfying and positively surprising, the kind of food that makes you slow down and savour every bite.

Parkes is known for its rich history and community spirit, and as the town continues to grow and welcome more visitors, culinary additions like Buddy Boy Kitchen can help round out the local experience, offering a place where travellers can unwind, and locals can enjoy something new with friends, family, or a quiet table for one.

Open Monday to Saturday, our kitchen serves breakfast from 6:30am to 9:00am and dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, with a Happy Hour from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

Buddy Boy Kitchen’s setting is contemporary, our staff is welcoming, and the menu designed by our chefs is created with both comfort and curiosity in mind.

If you’re nearby, or planning a stay in Parkes, Buddy Boy Kitchen is worth a visit. To find out more or book a table, visit buddyboykitchen.com.au or phone (02) 6862 5222.

Parkes PCYC Nations Of Origin 2025

July 17, 2025 By Roxane Manley

On day one of the competition these four girls took away a gold and a bronze, showcasing their amazing skills.

Parkes PCYC Nations of Origin teams and supporters travelled to Sydney early this week to compete in the Nations of Origin tournament. The multi-sports tournament aims to promote reconciliation within communities by engaging the Aboriginal Nations of NSW and people of non-Aboriginal descent. Over 1,000 First Nations and nonFirst Nations young people came together to celebrate their cultures, friendships, hard work and dedication.

PCYC Parkes first attended the event last year and are excited to be back again this year. Thanks to Parkes PCYC and its supporters who have donated to help fund the trip, 56 kids from the local area will be taking part.

Kimberley Sherrett, Parkes PCYC Club Manager said: “There were come and try out sessions for rugby league, gymnastics and basketball, most of these children are already participating in programs at the club.

“The majority of the students this year are from Parkes however we also have some Condobolin, Peak Hill and Forbes players.

Last year Parkes PCYC gymnastics girls finished with bronze and a highly commended, our basketball boys and one of our rugby league teams came very close to making the finals and one of our rugby league teams made the finals but were unfortunate not to walk away with a win.

We were incredibly proud of how they all played and performed.”

The annual four-day sporting and cultural event brings together young people from across New South Wales, representing their Aboriginal Nations. The program consists of teams with a 70-30 split of First Nations and non-First Nations youth.

The event aims to foster community connections, celebrate Indigenous culture, and promote understanding and respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people.

See next week’s paper for a full report on the performance of the Parkes PCYC teams at the tournament.

State Of The Art Service Centre Nearing Completion

July 10, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Construction works on the state-of-the-art bp highway service centre in Parkes are progressing and the site is entering the final stages of delivery.

The new centre, located on the recently opened Parkes Bypass, at the roundabout of the Newell Highway and Henry Parkes Way, will be anchored by bp with a convenience store. The facility will feature a truck drivers lounge with showers, laundry and diner and 26 heavy vehicle parking spaces to provide a much-needed rest stop on this significant transport route.

Construction commenced in late 2024 and the service centre is expected to open in late September 2025. The site will soon include the construction commencement of a new McDonalds restaurant.

The Development Director for Stevens Land, Jason Capuano said: “This project is more than just a service centre; it serves as the gateway to the heart of national logistics and the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.”

“This development will not only serve the Newell Highway but also the expansive 4700-hectare Eco-industrial Special Activation Precinct.

“The strategic location will provide much needed rest facilities for travelling heavy vehicle operators and the general public, with a full service diner within the BP and a newly built McDonalds with a drive through as part of the project,” said Mr Capuano.

This first stage of the 20ha Parkes Gateway Precinct will provide much needed infrastructure to service the Parkes SAP and heavy vehicles using the Newell Highway.

Future stages will provide a great opportunity for industrial and trade retail businesses.

Community Action Needed For Safer Speeds

July 10, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes residents are being given the opportunity to have their say about safe speeds on local roads.

Parkes residents are being asked to provide input in a survey that is part of a bigger research project, and a world first. The research is using ideas generated directly by residents of various towns and cities in NSW to look for ways to create understanding about safe speeds.

Usually, ideas come from the government down to the people. But in this project, we are doing things the other way round – asking the community to generate ideas to improve the safety of our road journeys. This survey is one part of that process. We are asking people to complete a short, anonymous survey twice, 6 months apart, so that we can measure if there are changes in people’s thinking.

Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health are asking locals to share their thoughts on driving in an anonymous online survey. The survey is part of a larger road safety project known as Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS). The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3SHAwbl Upon completing the surveys, participants will enter a draw to win one of four $250 egift vouchers.

For many years, governments have attempted to inform people about the risks they face when using the road. Travelling at inappropriate or unsafe speeds is one of those risks. Safe speeds are all about travelling at a speed that will not create a casualty if things go wrong. However, it seems that we don’t fully appreciate the risks and consequences involved with driving at speeds that are not appropriate in certain conditions.

This project is a community-led approach to draw on the wisdom and knowledge of local people to be part of the solution in their own community.

Safe Me – A Program For Disrupting Youth Family Violence

July 10, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Safe Me is a 12 week intervention program for young males (12 – 17) who have or are engaging in violent or abusive behaviour toward females; this may be in the context of family violence or toward a girlfriend or partner.

Designed to disrupt the pattern of youth family violence and minimise risk of ongoing violence in relationships. Facilitators work with participants to explore their identity and what it means to be a young man, build on their own strengths and strategies that promote safety, unpack and map their own values, thoughts and beliefs around the use of violence and to develop safety plans for future behaviour.

Mission Australia is motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive.

Young men can self-refer to the program or can be referred by family, friends or other support services (with the young person’s consent). Referrals are received by Mission Australia and the young person will be contacted to make a suitable time to further discuss the program.

Young men wanting to engage in a program to look at behaviour encouraged to apply safeme@missionaustralia.com.au

Nominate A Local For 2026 Australian Of The Year Awards

July 10, 2025 By Roxane Manley

We see them and hear about them every day – unsung community heroes, inspiring achievers, lifechanging mentors: extraordinary Australians we think should be recognised for their contributions.

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

Did you know a person can only be considered for an Australian of the Year Award if a member of the public submits a nomination on their behalf? Your single nomination could see them join 128 state and territory selected representatives and, ultimately, be honoured in one of four categories:

• Australian of the Year

• Senior Australian of the Year (65+)

• Young Australian of the Year (16-30)

• Australia’s Local Hero

Have your say before it’s too late. Nominations close at midnight on Thursday 31 July 2025 – it’s easy to submit a nomination at australianoftheyear.org.au

It’s Easy To Nominate:

• One nomination is enough – the Awards are judged on merit so multiple submissions are not required

• You don’t need to know them personally – simply outline what they do or how they’ve contributed

• No permission needed – nominate first, the Awards program will handle the rest

• Stay anonymous if you prefer – the Awards program respects a nominator’s preference for privacy

Give extraordinary Australians the recognition they deserve – nominate today at australianoftheyear.org.au.

$27 Million To Restore Critical Water And Sewer Infrastructure

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Minns Labor Government is investing $27 million to restore vital water and sewer infrastructure in the Central West, helping communities recover from the 2022 floods and prepare for future disasters.

A major focus of the funding is the $22.9 million rebuild of the Lake Endeavour water pipeline in Parkes Shire, which will be reconfigured to a safer, flood-resilient location.

This pipeline is a critical component of the water supply system for around 10,000 residents and plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture and industry, including the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

Rebuilding the Lake Endeavour pipeline will strengthen water security for local families and businesses, support local jobs and contribute to the region’s broader economic recovery.

The Lake Endeavour reservoir is a vital part of the Parkes water supply, ensuring continued access during drought and periods of low flow and poor water quality in the Lachlan River.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said “I’ve seen the damage to Lake Endeavour firsthand. The risk of Parkes running critically low on water was simply unacceptable, especially with only one main supply left and with the threat of drought hanging over the community again.”

“Reliable water and sewer services are things people in the cities often take for granted. Our regional communities shouldn’t be left worse off after disasters.”

The funding follows close collaboration between the NSW Government, Parkes, Cabonne and Lachlan Shire Councils, local water authorities and local stakeholders.

Local Land Services’ Annual Farm Census Underway

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

NSW landholders are being asked to report their livestock numbers and land use information as part of Local Land Services’ annual farm census.

The Annual Land and Stock Return collects information that helps shape the delivery of essential animal health and biosecurity services and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks.

Landholders must lodge their return by 31 August 2025 via the online portal or by completing the paper form received via mail.

LLS’ Executive Director Delivery, Rob Kelly, said the Annual Land and Stock Return helped paint a picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW. “If you need advice or support, please reach out to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit your nearest office.”

There are more than 170,000 landholders across NSW. Those without stock still need to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees. The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to a landholder’s next Local Land Services rates notice if they fail to complete their return.

Landholders can visit nsw.gov.au/alsr or scan the QR code on their Annual Land and Stock Return notice.

Council Wins National Award

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council has been named the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, in recognition of its innovative approach to fleet optimisation and asset management.

The award, presented at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly Dinner in Canberra on Thursday 26 June, acknowledges Parkes Shire Council’s “Fleet Optimisation and Innovation – A Smarter Approach to Asset Management” project. This is the first time that this award category has been included in the national program.

Parkes Shire Council was selected from a competitive field of 54 projects submitted for the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council category.

Michael O’Shannessy, Council’s Fleet and Depot Manager, said the award reflects several years of commitment to transforming fleet operations to better serve the organisation and community.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on a national stage. This project has reshaped how we manage and maintain Council’s fleet – improving safety, efficiency, and transparency,” Mr O’Shannessy said.

“By building our own system in-house, we’ve not only saved costs but also created a smart, scalable solution tailored to our needs and future growth.”

Parkes Shire Council developed its own advanced fleet management system using TechnologyOne, integrating real-time data, predictive maintenance strategies, and GPS telematics.

The system provides full oversight of Council’s $18 million fleet and is designed to ensure cost-effective lifecycle management of all fleet assets, from heavy plant to small equipment.

The innovation has resulted in a shift from reactive to scheduled maintenance, improved asset availability, reduced emissions, and enhanced worker safety.

Quorn Park Hybrid: Project Update

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Construction activities of the Quorn Park Hybrid Farm, on Back Trundle Road, Parkesare progressing, with materials delivered for access tracks and working areas.

Back Trundle Road Council upgrade is complete. Intersection upgrade in progress pending completion in July. Piling works were completed in early June 2025. Vehicle movements are being continuously monitored to minimise impacts to local road users where possible. Light and heavy vehicles will continue along Henry Parkes Way, McGrath Lane, and Back Trundle Road as materials and personnel are transported to site, generally between 7.00am –6.00pm Monday to Friday. Civil works for the project’s substation and for the substation access roads are ongoing.

The Golden Rows – the first solar panel rows installed on-site, which serve as the benchmark for layout, quality, and installation pace – have now been completed. With the completion of this key milestone, the project team was pleased to welcome representatives from the Parkes Shire Council to site in mid-June. The purpose of the visit was to showcase recent progress on site, and outline the next steps.

The mechanical crews are beginning installation of the tracker components, which allow the solar panels to follow the sun’s movement and maximise energy production throughout the day.

Panel installation will commence in coming weeks, once the mechanical assembly of trackers are in progress. Construction hours are Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, and Saturday 7am-1pm. All construction works are undertaken in accordance with the conditions of the Development Approval and relevant legislative requirements. Project updates can be found at: https://potentiaenergy.com.au/project/quorn-park-hybrid/

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