Ron Finemore Transport Chairman Ron Finemore AO has today backed growing national calls for data-driven road funding and new Commonwealth-state funding arrangements that will oblige state governments to report on road quality and safety performance as a condition of federal funding. 

Mr Finemore AO agrees with a broad coalition of transport and medical bodies campaigning for greater use of road trauma data to create more effective road safety policies and reverse the ongoing increases in annual road deaths. 

State and territory governments hold this data, but do not share it with other governments or show it to the Australian community or motorists. 

The Federal Government must require all states and territories to release this data as a condition of receiving their share of its annual $10 billion a year road budget. 

“Australians deserve transparency so they can see whether politicians are spending their taxes on the areas of greatest need, rather than courting support in marginal seats.” 

“Using this evidence in a transparent way to drive road safety policy will make our roads safer for all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and the men and women who make their living on our roads as drivers,” Mr Finemore said. 

“If data is not made available to the Australian Government, Commonwealth, road infrastructure funding decisions will continue to be made in the back rooms of government and subject to the whims of politicians and the political cycle.” 

For more information info@datasaveslives.org.au 

The Parkes Community Choir recently celebrated their 5th anniversary last Thursday 19th October at one of their regular practice nights at Parkes Public School Hall. 25-35 members attend the group regularly which meets at the PPS hall from 7.00-8.30 pm, every Thursday from weeks 1-8 of each school term. 

The Choir formed in 2018 as a response to the crippling drought the Parkes Shire had been suffering for some years. It was an initiative to support mental health and well-being in the community. The inaugural committee consisted of Kerrie Peden, Colleen Leonard, Sherree Rosser and Sonia Bland. We have been lucky to have been supported by pianists Nerida Wolrige and Pam Parkin over the years. Parkes Community Choir is a free, fun community activity which runs for the first 8 weeks of each school term. They hold supper twice a term so members can enjoy a cuppa and a chat. There are no fees or auditions and everyone is welcome. The group performs for free at public and community events. Recently, PCC welcomed members of the Peak Hill Choir to join us. 

The group have been lucky enough to have had support from Parkes Shire Council, Northparkes Mines and Rotary. Choir Director Kerry Peden said “Music has always been my passion, we are not a professional group, we definitely do it for the fun”. 

Some of the events that the Parkes Community Choir have performed at this year are, Elvis Gospel Service, Southern Cross Fete, Music That Warms the Soul Concert, Presentation Dinner-Birth to Kindergarten/Paint The Town REaD 25th Anniversary, ABBA Festival Trundle, and Flourish Music School concert. 

Buy From a Bush Business: These are one of our most popular items for Christmas! Our roads are so versatile for open ended play allowing little ones to use them inside, outside, in the mud, taken to the beach, with sensory play e.g. with jelly, shaving cream, rice or even just in the bath! 

These join together just like a puzzle and when dirty are easily cleaned to be packed up and ready to play again next time. These are one of our best selling items for Christmas, so don’t miss out! www.spendwithus.com.au/product/connecting-roads/

Flannery’s Pharmacy: On Thursday 26th October Alice Flannery Naturopath will be visiting the Pharmacy conducting free appointments. Your consultation will involve ‘comprehensive holistic assessment of your health, including an assessment of any current pathology, medical history, dietary intake and lifestyle factors. She will work with you to determine attainable health goals that will optimise your health and wellbeing.’ For more Information go to www.aliceflannerynaturopath.com/

Lifeline: To mark Lifeline Australia’s 60th anniversary we’re really excited to reveal ‘The Release Line’ a world first phone line, where music lovers can donate to listen to exclusive music. We’ve teamed up with ARIA Award winning singer songwriter Ruel to release a never-before-heard track. ‘The Weight’ is an acoustic song that encourages all Australians to reach out to loved ones, and the only way you can hear it is through the phone. Get your copy of the The Weight at www.releaseline.com.au

Farewell: It is with great sadness that this week the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix farewell our designer, Lisa Brien of LB Graphic Design. Lisa has been with the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix since the very first editions in 2015 and over the past eight years has designed 721 editions of the paper. We wish Lisa the very best of luck in the future, she will be greatly missed!

Pink Up Parkes: The Pink Up Parkes Raffle will be selling at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 21st October between 9am and 2pm. First prize: Handmade quilt valued at $800, second prize: gift basket from Parkes News & Gifts, third prize: $100 gift voucher from Cunningham’s IGA. 

The Roasted Kombi are pinking up during October to raise funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation. The Kombi have donated a pink cricket ball signed by Glen McGrath displayed in a glass and wooden box holder to be auctioned at the Pink Up Parkes Charity Dinner on 28th October.