The labour shortage gripping Australia has reached the regional town of Parkes, NSW, causing significant implications for small businesses. As demographic shifts and a skills mismatch persist, Parkes entrepreneurs struggle to attract and retain skilled workers, hindering growth prospects and impacting the local community.

An ageing population and urbanisation coupled with a national unemployment rate of 3.6%, have resulted in a dramatically declining labour force. This, associated with a skills mismatch between available workers and the specific needs of businesses, has created a dire situation for small companies in Parkes. Local talent pools are limited, forcing businesses to seek workers from outside the town, leading to difficulties in remote working life, lack of affordable housing, and limited rental availability. 

Expansion plans halt as companies battle to recruit and retain skilled employees, Reducing production capacity and hindering the pursuit of new business opportunities. This not only limits individual businesses but also impacts the overall economic vitality of the town.

To combat the labour shortage, small businesses in Parkes are forging partnerships with local educational institutions, government agencies, and industry associations. These collaborations aim to develop training programs, apprenticeships, and internships, bridging the skills gap and providing opportunities for locals to gain valuable experience.Targeted incentives and assistance could be provided to small businesses in regional areas, including financial aid, tax incentives, grants for workforce development, and improved infrastructure. 

Small businesses are leveraging technology and automation to optimise operations and mitigate the impact of labour shortages. Digital tools, process automation, and innovative solutions can enhance productivity, reducing the reliance on a large workforce.

The labour shortage poses a challenge for small businesses in Parkes, collaborative efforts are needed between companies, government, educational institutions, and the community to address the issue by fostering partnerships, providing incentives, and embracing technology.

By Peter Giles

Fifteen times Australian Go-Karting Champion, John Pizarro has been presented with the Star of Parkes, Parkes Shire Council’s highest symbolic honour, inspired by the tradition of presenting ‘Keys to the City’.

Parkes Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil Westcott, presented Mr Pizarro with the Star of Parkes at a ceremony held at the Parkes Motor Museum on Wednesday, 14th June.

“John Pizarro has led an exciting career as an outstanding kart racer, with over 15 Australian Championship titles across several classes, competing in five World Championships, an international team win in the Japan Kart Grand Prix, a Dubbo track record and participation in international races including Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, France, America, Philippines, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Belgium,” Cr Westcott said.

Parkes local, John started racing in 1964 at the age of 19 years old, with a career that went on to span more than 30 years. He started in a homemade go-kart fitted with a small motorcycle engine, four years later winning his first National Championship at Sunnybank QLD in 1968. 

In the years following he received a number of awards and achievements including:

• Parkes Sportsman of the Year 1973 and 1978 

• Central West Sportsman of the Year 1979 

• The Australian Sports Medal 2000

• Life Member of Karting NSW 2011

• Inducted into the Karting Hall of Fame 2011

• Inducted into the Australian Motor Sports Hall of Fame 2017 

• Awarded an OAM 2019.

John’s contributions to motor sports continued off the racetrack. He was involved in the design and/or accreditation of many kart tracks across NSW, trained young drivers on tracks around the Central West and designed, manufactured and sold Go-Karts from his home in Parkes.

John has been a Parkes Rotarian since 1971, having served as President twice during that time. In 2005 he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, which is both an award for exemplary work in community service or helping those in need, or a method of recognising a substantial donation to The Rotary Foundation. He was also awarded an Outstanding Service to Rotary in 2008 and 2009.

Cr Westcott said Mr Pizarro has been a wonderful ambassador for Parkes Shire and hoped that his considerable achievements would inspire future generations to achieve their best in their chosen fields.

“We are extremely proud of John and the wonderful role model that he has been for Parkes Shire and for the sporting community. It was only fitting to award this honour at the Parkes Motor Club, where his prized 1955 Morris Minor utility is featured on display,” he said.

“The Star of Parkes recognises his dedication, ability, and desire to succeed and the sacrifices that he has made to the pinnacle of his career,” concluded Cr Westcott.

The Star of Parkes has previously been awarded to five outstanding citizens, most recently to renowned music educator, academic and musician Professor Gary E. McPherson for his significant contributions to the music industry. 

Martinus Rail has been awarded a $403.5 million contract to design and construct enhancement works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and Albury to Illabo (A2I) sections of Inland Rail. 

This is a key milestone towards Inland Rail being completed between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales by 2027, as per the recommendations of the independent review of Inland Rail published in April. 

The enhancement works to be conducted by Martinus Rail will ultimately enable double-stacked freight trains to run between Albury and Parkes and will include bridge upgrades and track lowering works to create the required height and width clearances. 

Forbes will be enhanced and an additional crossing loop will be constructed at Daroobalgie. 

Enhancement works on the S2P and A2I sections follow on from the successful completion of the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail, which was completed in 2020. The new enhancements will enable double stacked trains to travel from Beveridge to Narromine by 2027. 

Inland Rail is continuing to engage strongly with local suppliers and businesses across regional New South Wales, helping them to benefit from the Australian Government’s investment in Inland Rail. 

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said 

“$2.7 billion in contracts has already been awarded to over 400 suppliers and businesses across the country, with more local businesses between Albury and Parkes to benefit from the new opportunities and supporting jobs.”

CMOC-Northparkes Mines and Parkes Shire Council have announced the successful applicants from the latest round of the Sports Grants Funding Program.

Parkes Sports Council Chairperson, Alan Gersbach said it was fantastic to see a broad range of projects during this round for selection.

“Parkes Shire has a strong sporting culture and programs such as this promote and increase participation within the community,” said Mr Gersbach.

This round, which closed in March 2023, included a grant to the Peak Hill Swimming Club to purchase equipment for training including lane ropes, pool noodles, long blade fins, handle paddles and a learn to swim platform.

Cr Louise O’Leary thanked Northparkes for its continuing support of not only this program but also the many other community programs throughout Parkes and Forbes.

“Thank you to the community groups who applied for this round of sporting grants. We encourage any local groups considering applying to make use of the resources of the Parkes Shire Grants Team in helping you with your application,” Cr O’Leary said.

Northparkes Managing Director Jianjun Tian said, “At Northparkes, we are committed to a number of long-term community partnerships, including the Sports Grants Program, which not only benefits our people, but the community in which we live and work.”