The festive season is upon us, with the Parkes Christmas Parade kicking off the celebrations at 6pm today. Everyone is invited to watch over 30 floats make their way down Clarinda Street and into Cooke Park for Sparkle in the Park. As the sun goes down, local buildings and shops will become a colourful canvas of light displays as part of Sparkle Illuminations. This year is set to be the biggest and brightest yet, with 12 light installations and projections transforming Parkes into an outdoor exhibition.

Don’t forget to pack the picnic blanket, with the outdoor cinema screening of the Christmas classic, The Santa Clause. Oh What Fun will be had in Peak Hill for this year’s Meet You Up the Street Festival today. The streets will come alive with music, stalls, rides and art, before the crowds gather for the famous billy cart derby at the old gold mine late afternoon.

When doing your Christmas shopping, keep an eye out for the Shop Parkes this Christmas entry forms. With any purchase, you have a chance to win a fabulous trip to Las Vegas valued at $4,000. Locals are encouraged to fly into any of the Parkes Shire libraries to take part in the Heroes and Villians Summer Reading Club. This year, a heroes and villians themed party will be held if 888 books are read before 31st January 2017. The club is open to all children and youth, and is free to join. Visit Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle or Tullamore Libraries to receive your mission kit and start reading.

Have a safe and enjoyable and festive weekend.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

The Shop Parkes this Christmas retail campaign has officially launched, with residents and visitors encouraged to shop locally for their chance to win a fabulous trip to Las Vegas. Keep an eye out for the Shop Parkes posters displayed in stores, and the Christmas catalogue in your letterbox. With the festive season fast approaching, local businesses are encouraged to deck out their shop windows. The most creative CBD Christmas window display, during the 2-24 December period, will receive a marketing package valued at $500 for the 2017 Christmas Shopping campaign. The winner will be announced on the Shop Parkes Facebook page on Friday, 16th December 2016.

During the month of November, Council took a proactive approach to road safety and repair prior to the harvest season, by working with growers and heavy vehicle operators to mitigate potential hazards on the Shire’s roads. I would like to thank all motorists for exercising extra care during harvest, and sharing the roads accordingly during
this busy period.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is calling on locals to help deliver the 2017 Festival. Join the Festival family as a volunteer and experience all the fun, while giving something back to the community. For more information, or to register as a volunteer, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

The Embroiders Guild is showing an exhibition of stitched circles collection along with some Christmas embroidery items and other delightfully skilled work. This exhibition runs until the end of November at the Parkes Shire Library.

On Thursday, 1st December, join us as we celebrate Parkes’ 143rd Birthday by cutting a cake at the Sir Henry Parkes statue at Chamberlain Square at 10.30am. In 1873, on this day, the township was officially named Parkes, in honour of the then Premier of the Colony of NSW, Sir Henry Parkes.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I would firstly like to congratulate the Parkes Elvis Festival on winning the Dobija Print World Events and Tourism Award at the 2016 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards. This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Council employees and volunteers without whom the festival would not have been such a success. The 25th anniversary is shaping up to be the most accessible festival yet, with visitors able to travel to the event by
road, rail and air! Aeroplane charters will be available from Sydney for the first time.

Council has taken a proactive approach to road safety and repair prior to the harvest season by working with growers and heavy vehicle operators to mitigate potential hazards on the Shire’s roads. I would like to thank heavy vehicle operators for their understanding and patience, as Council crews worked to restore the road network following the period of wet weather. I would also like to commend all motorists for exercising extra care during harvest, and sharing the roads accordingly during this busy period.

Christmas will soon be upon us, and Council is inviting the community to join the wide range of events and celebrations across Parkes Shire. Christmas events will kick off on 2nd December with the Parkes Christmas Parade, followed by Sparkle in the Park UpMarkets and outdoor movie in Cooke Park. As the sun sets, the Parkes CBD will
be ignited with illuminations and projections across buildings and streetscapes. Peak Hill will come alive on the same day for the Meet You Up The Street Festival. For more details to to www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week we welcomed NSW Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Hon David Elliott who was in town to trial a new interactive learning experience at Parkes Memorial Hill. Parkes Memorial Hill Rejuvenation Incorporated received $2,000 from the State Government to develop interpretative content to link to Quick Response (QR) Codes located
around the site. The QR Codes will link to Council’s website, providing residents and visitors more information about the site.

Development of the website content and installation of the QR codes will take place in the coming months. Council invites residents who participated in the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme to attend an Energy Opportunity Workshop in the Parkes Shire Council Coventry Room on Monday, 14th November at 5.30pm. With the scheme closing at the end of the year, the workshop will inform customers about what you need to do in the lead up to the closure and the important steps you need to take to get the best out of your renewable energy system. For more information, contact
Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator on 6861 2343.

It’s never too late to learn to swim, with adult swimming lessons kicking off Tuesday, 15th November. The five-week program offers adults a chance to learn the skill at their own pace, with the lessons tailored specifically for adults. Enrolment forms are available from Council’s website and closes next Friday.

Remember to get social during the Colour Parkes campaign. Share your favourite images of our Shire on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Use the hashtag #ColourParkes and tag @ParkesTourism to stand a chance to win a prize package.

Enjoy your weekend.
Yours Faithfully
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I would firstly like to thank the emergency services, Essential Energy and Council crews for their outstanding efforts in responding to the impacts of the severe flash storm in Parkes last Friday evening. They have worked around the clock to ensure services, roads and facilities are cleared and restored. It was pleasing to see such community
spirit displayed as neighbours and friends assisted those badly affected by the storms. What a great community we live in.

Motorists please be extra vigilant as crews continue to clear debris from the road. Residents are encouraged to nominate deserving people for a Community Award. Each Australia Day, Parkes Shire Council recognises, rewards and encourages outstanding community service by individuals, groups and events. Nominations are open for the 2017 Parkes Shire Council Community Awards, with nomination forms available for download from Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Demolition of the old Parkes Hospital has reached the halfway mark, with five out of the nine buildings being pulled down. The project is well on track to be completed by mid-December. The Parkes Shire was showcased at two major events in Canberra. Parkes Shire Council representatives attended the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia
(CMCA) Rally and the Canberra Home & Leisure Show to promote Parkes Shire as a weekend getaway destination. Congratulations to Nikki Fallon from Kambah in the ACT who won the Parkes Elvis Festival Package.

Remember to get social during the Colour Parkes campaign. Share your favourite images of the Shire with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Use the hashtag #Colour- Parkes and tag @ParkesTourism to stand a chance to win a prize.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I was elated to accept the 2016 AR Bluett Memorial Award on behalf of Parkes Shire Council at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference this week. The Award recognises the most progressive rural council in the state, and we thank the Parkes Shire community for trusting us to deliver progressive and sustainable projects and programs. Councillor Ken McGrath was also honoured at the conference, presented with an Outstanding Service Award for his 20 years of service to Local Government. Council’s 2015/16 achievements can be viewed online
at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

During the month of October, I have given my sweet tooth a break as part of OcSober. Rather than alcohol, I have given up sugar for one month to raise money for Life Education Australia. Life Education is a not-for-profit organisation delivering positive, preventative health education programs in schools. If you’d like to help me reach my fundraising goal, visit www.ocsober.com.au. Residents are encouraged to dig deep for another great cause this weekend with the Relay for Life taking place at Northparkes Oval. The Relay raises funds for the Cancer Council. It is an opportunity for the community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money. Visit www.relayforlife.org.au for more information.

Spring has finally sprung across the Parkes Shire region with the Colour Parkes Campaign progressing into the second phase of implementation. Parkes will colour Canberra at the Floriade festival, promoting the colourful events, attractions and experiences within the Shire. Download your ‘Colour Pass’ from www.visitparkes.com.au, to
access the deals at 16 venues.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I am pleased to welcome the announcement that the Parkes Shire will receive $1 million of funding from the NSW Government to fix local roads destroyed by floodwater. I would like to thank the Deputy Premier and Roads Minister for listening to our concerns and taking immediate action. Additionally, $1 million will be invested to investigate options to improve flood resistance of the Newell Highway at Tichborne, between Parkes and Forbes. As Council crews continue to inspect and repair the problem areas, motorists need to be extra careful when driving.

I am elated to announce that the next stage of the Parkes Regional Airport Business Park expansion is set to go ahead, thanks to a $1.56 million investment from the Coalition’s National Stronger Regions Fund. Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash was in Parkes to make the announcement, which will ensure this important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver economic and social benefits to the entire region.

NAIDOC week will be celebrated this weekend with a colour run, sausage sizzle lunch, live performances and traditional dancing. Everyone is invited to share in the activities on Saturday, 15th October at Bushman’s Hill Indigenous Precinct from 11.30am – 5:00pm.

With the weather warming up, residents are encouraged to make a splash. The gates are now open to the Parkes Aquatic Centre with season tickets available from the pool kiosk. The Colour Parkes campaign is a great
excuse for residents to explore the Parkes Region by taking advantage of the special offers at our local attractions, shopping outlets and cafes. Download your Colour Pass from www.visitparkes.com.au to access the deals. Enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I am elated to announce that Council has been selected as a finalist in the Destination Marketing category of the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards for the development and implementation of the ‘Parkes it all adds up’ brand and associated campaigns. I am dually excited that the Parkes Elvis Festival has also received finalist status in the
Festivals and Events category. The NSW Tourism Awards are held annually to celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence across the State. The winners will be announced at a Gala Celebration at Luna Park in Sydney on 24th November.

Parkes is moving into the digital future with the construction of the National Broadband Network (nbn™) getting underway this week. More than 5,700 homes and businesses in Parkes will soon have access to a world of new opportunities, with crews in town to check pits and pipes, lay fibre backbone to the network and install node cabinets.

This week Council welcomed NSW Roads Minister, The Hon Duncan Gay to Parkes to inspect the damage to the Shire’s roads caused by recent flood events and wet weather. Parts of the Shire’s road network has suffered extensive damage and motorists need to be aware that there may be pot holes and defects that pose a major risk to road users.
Locals are encouraged to grab yourself some handmade and homegrown produce at the UpMarkets in Cooke Park on Sunday.

While the school holidays are drawing to a close, residents and visitors still have plenty of time to access the special deals on offer at our local attractions, shopping outlets and cafes by downloading your ‘Colour Pass’ from www.visitparkes.com.au.

Enjoy your weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I would firstly like to commend our neighbouring community of Forbes for their resilience during this tough time. Parts of the town, and surrounding farmland, have been devastated following the floods. I wish to thank our local volunteers and emergency personnel for their efforts.

Parkes Shire Council wishes to congratulate Peak Hill on its selection as one of Australia’s Top Best Small Towns. Peak Hill was among the list of 50 small towns across Australia selected by the online travel agency, Discount My Flights. The contest drew over 172 submissions, with Peak Hill earning its spot in the top 50 due to its small
town charm and hospitality.

The October long weekend has finally arrived and is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to explore the Parkes Shire. The 2PK Parkes Country Music Festival kicks off the long weekend, with five days of live country music and entertainment. The Festival program is available from the Parkes Visitor Information Centre or follow the Parkes Country Music Club on Facebook.

Local teenagers can try their hand at cartooning, with Parkes Library hosting a workshop for children aged 12 years and older next Wednesday. Contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309. Don’t forget to download your ‘Colour Pass’ from www.visitparkes.com.au, to access the special deals on offer at our local attractions, shopping outlets and cafes.

Remember double demerit points are in place from today until Monday. Council encourages all motorists to stick to the speed limit, drive to the conditions and schedule plenty of breaks during your trip.

Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend,
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Parkes Shire Council extends its congratulations to the newly elected councillors following the 2016 Local Government Elections. These elections saw a quality field of candidates and Council would like to commend all 20 of the nominees for their campaigning efforts. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions will be decided at the first Meeting of Council on 20th September. The 2017 Parkes Elvis Festival is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with 120 events at 20 venues announced at the official launch this week. The Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Viva Las Vegas theme, inspired by Elvis’ 1964 film of the same name. Tickets are now on sale at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Parkes is gearing up for a big weekend of sport. The town will welcome home local Olympian Hockeyroo, Mariah Williams at the Parkes Hockey Complex. Locals are invited to come and meet Mariah, take some photos and grab an autograph tomorrow at 12 noon. The 2016 SCT Parkes Open Golf Tournament will host its strongest field of golfers in the event’s 42 year history, with one third of the 156 players teeing off handicaps of 8 or less this weekend at the Parkes Golf Club.

Parkes Boars Junior Rugby Union Club will host the inaugural Parkes Rugby Seven’s Tournament this weekend, with 25 teams from across the state competing at Northparkes and Pioneer Ovals. Parkes residents are encouraged to dive
into Learn to Swim programs this summer.