Parkes will welcome over 350 delegates for the Inland Rail Joint Industry Conference on 18th and 19th July. Presented by the Australasian Railway Association and the Australian Logistics Council, the conference will commence with a welcome reception on Tuesday at Ikon followed by two days of sessions at the Parkes Leagues Club.

Parkes will be in the spotlight with a huge range of industry representatives, government agencies and officials in attendance. A timely new marketing initiative to promote the Parkes National Logistics Hub was launched this week with 12 travelling billboards installed on SCT Logistics’ trailers. The artwork will be in market for six months with the trucks travelling between Parkes and Western Sydney daily, creating awareness and attracting enquiries from potential investors and businesses.

Council hosted a business briefing workshop on Wednesday about the Recycled Water Rising Main construction project. Over 50 potential contractors and interested local businesses attended. To find out more about this project visit Council’s website under the Environment Section.

Congratulations to Parkes Shire Aboriginal Project Officer Amanda Corcoran and local Wiradjuri artist Irene Ridgeway on the fantastic art exhibition and program of events held to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2018 in the Parkes Shire.

With a number of existing Parkes Shire members stepping down in the near future, the Lachlan Health Council is seeking interest from local community representatives to join their board. Anyone interested can get in touch with me.

Finally, this weekend will see the 2018 Central West Astronomical Society’s (CWAS) AstroFest with a conference on
Saturday (tomorrow) in the Coventry Room featuring a stellar all-female line up of guest speakers. The second day is held at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, with the official opening of the David Malin Astrophotography Awards Exhibition at the Visitor Centre. If the stars align, and the sun is shining, you can gaze through a telescope and view bright stars, planets, the sun and the moon during the daytime. For the full programme of events, visit www.cwas.org.au/astrofest.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Council welcomed the news that it has been named a finalist in three categories at the 2018 Regional NSW Tourism Awards to be held in Orange on 28th July with the Parkes Elvis Festival nominated in the Festival and Events Category, Council’s brand campaigns in the Destination Marketing Category and the Parkes Visitor Information Centre in the Visitor Services category.

Accolades continue with Parkes Shire Council hoping to make a splash with the Parkes Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Program, which has progressed to the final round of judging in several prestigious engineering award categories.

Parkes Shire Council is inviting owners and lessees of significant land and buildings to apply for dollar for dollar matched funding under their Local Heritage Fund Program. Applications close on Tuesday, 31st July.

Following the construction of the new Peak Hill Waste & Recycling Transfer Station, Parkes Shire Council will soon implement the Parkes Shire Waste Strategy at the facility. As part of the Strategy, Council will implement charges at the site commencing 1st August.

Parkes Shire is celebrating NAIDOC Week 2018 by hosting the Galari ‘Mawam-Bul’ Art Exhibition and series of demonstrations and workshops in the Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Council from 9-12 July. The theme
‘Because of her, we can’ celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to our communities, families, rich history and to our nation.

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

I was pleased to see a number of local artists receiving accolades at the Regional SIMS Metal Waste to Art & Design Competition currently on exhibit in Narromine. Congratulations to winners Middleton Public School who took out the award for Building/Sculpture 2D, Anette Peterson for the Curators Award and John Grady for the Sims Scrap Metal Award.

Council welcomed the re-instatement of the Access Committee this week, with a kick off meeting held on Tuesday. The Access Committee has representation from across the community including agencies such as Neighbourhood Central, Currajong Disabilities and Lachlan Area Health. They come together in the aim to build awareness and understanding of access issues across the shire and to advise Council and make recommendations on addressing these matters.

Council has completed road surface upgrades in the Parkes CBD including asphalt works in Court Street, Church Street and the northern end of Clarinda Street. Thank you to the businesses and community members for your patience while these important works took place. Crews are also continuing work to upgrade the Kelly Reserve carpark to improve safety, access and movement within the precinct. Works are expected to be completed by early next week.

The Recycled Water Scheme is moving into Phase 2, which will entail the construction of a Recycled Water Rising Main (RWRM) to deliver clean and ‘green’ recycled water for irrigation. The scheme will essentially drought-proof selected sporting fields and green-spaces, ensuring our parks and public gardens can be maintained year round.
While the scheme is not available for household use it will offset demand for potable water, reducing the need for bore water top-ups during peak use. Construction of the new RWRM pipeline is expected to commence in November this year.

Returned local artist, Alice Stokes will be sharing some of her work with Parkes Library for an exhibition during July. Alice’s “Australian Gothic Local” art works will be on exhibit at Parkes Library from 3rd to 28th July.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend in the Parkes Shire.

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Welcome to all the players, officials and families visiting Parkes this weekend for the under 15s Boys NSW State Hockey Championships. Congratulations to Parkes Hockey Inc for delivering these major sporting fixtures for our community to enjoy and benefit from.

I attended the 2018 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra this week to engage directly with Federal Government to develop national policy and influence the future direction of our Council and community. The Council meeting was postponed until Tuesday, 26th June at 2pm.

Works will commence this weekend to repair and improve road surfaces in Court Street, Church Street and the northern end of Clarinda Street until Thursday.

Council is ensuring that children are safe in vehicles with free child restraint checks at Lions Park on Thursday, 28th June from 10am – 2pm.

Parkes Shire Library welcomed author Julie Ankers this week to discuss her latest work ‘Call Me Frank’.

Local businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the NSW Government’s Business Connect Bus which will be in Parkes on Thursday, 28th June from 9am to 3pm at 203 Clarinda Street. Book a free session at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend in the Parkes Shire.

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Council is absolutely delighted at the announcement of $2.2 million towards the expansion of Parkes Library by the NSW Government. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless visited Parkes to deliver the grant, which comprises of $2 million under the Regional Cultural Fund and $200,000 under the Public Infrastructure Fund. The funding will go towards delivering new dynamic art and cultural spaces to service the entire Parkes Shire.

Congratulations to our General Manager, Kent Boyd who has been named in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list with a Public Service Medal. The Public Service Medal acknowledges outstanding service by employees of the Australian Government and state, territory and local government.

The medal is recognition of Kent’s dedication to our community over the last 40 years, contributing his expertise in engineering, project management and his personal leadership as general manager.

Residents may have noticed the major works currently being carried out along Station Street, which will mitigate the salinity issues affecting Cheney Park. The $550,000 project involves installing subsoil drains under the road and across the oval to direct water into a central pit. Once complete, crews will then reconstruct the road surface.

Residents are being reminded that the collection of firewood from all roadsides across the Parkes Shire is prohibited. If residents are unsure if their planned roadside activities are prohibited, they are advised to check with Council by calling 6861 2343. Council will be issuing the 2018/19 annual rate notices slightly earlier than usual this year, giving residents more time to make payment. The notice, usually posted at the end of July each year, will be posted on 9th
July. Payments can now be made online via the My Parkes Portal.

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

We are delighted by the announcement of funding under the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund to enable Council to upgrade the lighting throughout the Parkes CBD, in an effort to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour.

This week Council facilitated the delivery of defibrillators and Red Cross training to five local sporting groups free of charge thanks to a NSW Government Office of Sport’s Local Sports Defibrillator Grant Program, which was matched by Council. The program aims to ensure our local sporting facilities are equipped with the life-saving apparatus.

A reminder from our Road Safety & Injury Prevention Officer that double demerits are in force for the long weekend ending on Monday. Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmets offences. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue.

In an effort to stop drink driving, our local Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT) will be running a ‘Win a Swag’ competition at the local derby this Sunday from 1:30pm at Pioneer Oval, encouraging punters to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out. To enter simply fill in an entry form with details of your Plan B to get home.

Have a safe and enjoyable June long weekend,

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week we pay tribute to music legend Phil Emmanuel, who sadly passed away last Thursday evening from a sudden asthma attack. We are privileged to have had Phil feature at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival, performing the Guitars of the Era concert in the Little Theatre. Phil and his brother Tommy, were also inducted into the Elvis Wall of Fame, which will now serve as a lasting legacy to the musical talent.

This week the Parkes Shire marks Reconciliation Week, with the theme ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery’. The Galari-Lachlan Reconciliation Group invites locals to view an exhibition in the library showcasing both contemporary and ancient Wiradjuri history, which is rich in the Parkes area. The dates commemorate two significant milestones
– the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Recently I attended the inaugural meeting of the new Central NSW Joint Organisation (JO) of councils. Parkes Shire Council has transitioned from Centroc to the new JO,  joining forces with 10 Central West councils to push state and federal governments on important issues such as improved road links to Sydney, better telecommunications, upgraded health facilities and continued development of regions.

A number of road projects are nearing completion this week. The Saleyards Road project saw our crew carry out widening of the road, pavement rehabilitation, correction of super elevations and grade table drains. The causeway repair along Oliview Road (SR26) has wrapped up, the work consisted of reconstructing the causeway, headwalls and road approaches. Our township crews have also begun utilising the new portable ‘bladder’ storage unit, which holds 100,000 litres of water. The unit enables our crews to carry out works in remote and isolated parts of the shire. The new bladder is currently feeding the re-sheet of Adavale Lane (104) near Goonumbla.

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

A total of 28 local business operators took advantage of the iD. Solutions Census Briefing workshop held on Wednesday evening to gain an insight into how the latest census data can benefit their daily work and future planning. A number of Council staff and Councillors also took part in earlier sessions to gain a better understanding
of how to utilise the data in our operations.

Residents can view our economic and community profile, and access the latest data, via Council’s website on the Economic Overview page, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au Residents have until next Tuesday to join conversation about the tree replacement options at the Parkes Cemetery entrance.

The strategy, which includes a number of concept images, is available to view on Council’s website under the Public Notice section where you can complete a short survey about your preferred option. The Free Cuppa for the Driver campaign wraps up next Thursday – the incentive program aiming to encourage drivers to take the time to arrive alive. We are a proud supporter of the campaign, and thank our wonderful local businesses who signed up to provide the Free Cuppas this year. Businesses interested in becoming a Free Cuppa provider next year can get in touch via the Free Cuppa website, www.freecuppa.com.au, or contact our Road Safety Officer on 6861 2364.

Next week the Parkes Shire will mark Reconciliation Week, 30 May until 7 June. The theme is ‘Don’t Keep History a Mystery”, with the Galari-Lachlan Reconciliation Group inviting locals to view an exhibition in the Coventry Room showcasing both contemporary and ancient Wiradjuri history, which is rich in the Parkes area. The dates commemorate two significant milestones – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. If you would like to attend the opening night, please RSVP on 6861 2309.

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

Council’s grants team have put forward eight local projects for funding under round two of the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. We have taken the opportunity to submit a number of township projects, identified by our residents as priorities during the Parkes 2030 community consultation workshops held last year.

Among the projects put forward are the extension to the Tullamore GP suite, the rejuvenation of Caswell Street in Peak Hill, and a new amenities block in Trundle. Combined, the eight projects are valued at more than $2 million.

Council’s Biosecurity Officers are encouraging locals to take advantage of the free services they provide to our community aimed at minimising the spread of priority weeds. Those services include weed control advice, property inspections, weed identification and the distribution of educational materials. To help protect our unique, contact our Biosecurity Officers on 6861 2343.

Council crews have recently completed improvements to the internal road at the Peak Hill Cemetery. The community-initiated project, funded by the Peak Hill CCC, involved carrying out some tree and root maintenance, and widening the road to 4 metres using 100mm of road base to significantly improve accessibility at the site.

Parkes and Peak Hill’s Fire and Rescue stations will open their doors between 10am and 2pm tomorrow, giving locals an opportunity to meet our local firefighters, learn how the station operates and check out the fire trucks.

Local business operators and interested community members are invited to attend the ID Solutions Census Briefing on Wednesday, 23rd May, 5.30 to 7pm in the Council Chambers. The free session provides practical insights and skills on how to take advantage of the ID Solutions online platform and latest census data. Register your attendance via Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Have a safe enjoyable weekend,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Last Friday we welcomed Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon. Michael McCormack MP and NSW Deputy Premier, The Hon. John Barilaro MP to sign a landmark bilateral agreement for the commencement of works on the Inland Rail in NSW. Former Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Warren Truss was also present.

Congratulations to the community of Trundle for delivering the most successful Trundle ABBA Festival to date. Early results indicate over 6,000 people enjoyed the fABBAulous entertainment.

Council is reviewing our library services and we are encouraging residents to provide feedback via a short survey. Complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parkeslibrary, or in person at any of our libraries.

Council is re-establishing the Parkes Access Committee and is inviting residents interested in representing the community to become a member. The committee plays a key role in ensuring the Disability Inclusion Action Plan is being implemented and provides a forum for the discussion of disability issues. To find out more visit Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Have an enjoyable weekend,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire