Local groups and organisations are encouraged to bring their crea­tive ideas to life with the support of Parkes Shire Council’s 2025 Cultural Grants Program, opening on Thursday, 17 April 2025.

The annual program provides financial assistance to groups and organisations delivering artistic, musical and cultural initiatives that strengthen community development and contribute to the rich cul­tural life of the Parkes Shire. Grants of at least $2,000 are avail­able, with a total funding pool of $10,000. Applications close 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones, encourages local groups to consider how their projects could benefit from a Cultural Grant.

“In 2024, we saw a fantastic range of projects funded, from chil­dren’s pottery workshops to cultural cooking demonstrations and a local poetry night,” said Ms Jones.

Demmi Watt from Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc highlighted the impact on their event. “The Cultural Grant enabled us to host three free cooking demonstrations with Famous Australian Bush Cook Ranger Nick at the 2024 Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

The annual Cultural Grants Program aims to increase cultural activity in the community, encourage innovative creative events and workshops, help artists, crafters and musicians develop their skills, and provide funds to maintain or develop facilities.

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

If you would like help with your grant application, please contact Council’s Grants Team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, Member for Orange Philip Donato MP, Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf OAM.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP, joined with mayors of Lachlan and Parkes Shires, calling on the NSW Government to urgently fund repair of critical water infra­structure which was damaged in the 2022 Central West Flood Event.

“The flood event of 14th November 2022 ravaged communities across the Central West, causing unprecedented damage to property – including critical water infra­structure, “said Mr Donato.

“I am extremely grateful to both our state and federal governments for their rapid support and the essential disaster funding they’ve so far delivered to help our region rebuild in the wake of this devastating natu­ral disaster.

“Unfortunately, existing flood recovery funding measures have failed to incorpo­rate the repair or replacement of critical wa­ter and sewer assets that were damaged or destroyed in the 2022 Central West Flood Event,” Mr Donato said.

Mr Donato is the chair of the Central West Community Leaders Forum, whose charter is to direct federal and state government disaster funding through the NSW Recon­struction Authority to flood- impacted com­munities of the Central West following the November 2022 flood event. It was identi­fied that local government’s flood-damaged or destroyed critical water and sewer infra­structure did not fit any existing criteria of funding, although the Northern Rivers flood event benefited from government funding for flood-damaged critical water and sewer infrastructure Repair. Mr Donato has raised this issue on this on the floor of NSW Par­liamen.

Mayor of Parkes, Cr Neil Westcott said “We are not asking for special favours, our assets are no less destroyed than the northern rivers and they were fully funded by the NSW Government”. “Water supply to a town is surely es­sential infrastructure. Our peak supply has been reduced by 30%, we cannot afford to fix it, we need Government help, this is a very serious issue,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

Early education is critical and this investment will also support mums and dads to get back to work, rebuild and plan for the future.

A Coalition Government will triple capacity at the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre in long day care, increasing avail­able places for 0-5 year-olds from 15 chil­dren to 45 children.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the Coalition would deliver $1 million to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre, ensuring local families have child­care availability and affordability.

“This exciting announcement is about making sure Eugowra families – who’ve al­ready been through so much – can access quality childcare close to home,” Mr Little­proud said.

“We know regional childcare isn’t just about affordability but availability. Increas­ing placements to an extra 30 children in long day care is significant and will help many families in Eugowra.

The new facility will replace the temporary modular building that’s been in use since the devastating 2022 floods and marks a major step forward in Eugowra’s recovery.

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the announcement was a huge win for local families. “I’m proud to announce that the final million dollars has been secured to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Centre.

“Access to childcare shouldn’t be a bar­rier for any family. This investment means Eugowra’s youngest residents have a safe, modern place to learn and grow, while giv­ing local parents the chance to work, study and contribute to their community. Getting Eugowra back on track means backing families,” Mr Farraway said.