Articles Archives - Page 22 of 452

Bald Archy Exhibition Comes To Parkes

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to bring The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition to the local community for free, offering a unique opportunity to experience Australia’s most loved satirical portrait award.

The exhibition opened 28 February and will continue to 18 April 2026, with free entry at the Coventry Room at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

The Best of the Bald Archy Prize celebrates Australia’s most popular and internationally recognised satirical portrait award, The Bald Archy Prize. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to enjoy art with a cheeky twist and is widely regarded as Australia’s premier satirical art prize.

Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said: “The Best of the Bald Archy Prize is a wonderful example of how art can be engaging, humorous and accessible for everyone. This exhibition invites people of all ages to enjoy portraiture in a completely different way. We’re thrilled to be able to share such a popular and entertaining exhibition with our community.”

Celebrating the lighter side of art and the unmistakable Australian sense of humour, these works are guaranteed to make visitors think, talk – and most of all, laugh.

Celebrate International Women’s Day With Parkes Que Club

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Que Club Inc is proud to announce the inclusion of Leah van der Merwe to the program for their IWD Luncheon on Sunday 8 March. In 2025, Red Bend student Leah van der Merwe, was selected from over 2,500 applicants across 120 countries to attend the CERN-Solvay Student Camp in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Leah was the only Australian student chosen for this prestigious international science camp, where she joined other bright young scientists from around the world to learn about particle physics and cutting-edge research.

Leah said she believes “Nothing is impossible unless you let it be.”

The club were also excited to receive a grant from Parkes Shire Council Community Events Funding program. “This grant will be a great boost helping us to fund the IWD Luncheon, in particular paying for the guest speakers, and the senior representatives from the three high schools,” said Lynn Rodgers of the Parkes Cue Club.

A free glass of bubbly or orange juice is available on arrival, so book your tickets early to ensure to secure your place.

Tickets are $45 each and are available at www.123tix.com.au/events. Please note that tickets will not be available after Monday, 2 March.

Celebrating Seniors With Live Life In Colour Events

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Throwback to the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival in Parkes. Seventeen seniors from Trundle, Tullamore and Parkes attended the first activity of the festival at the Uniting Church Hall when Monica Lea introduced them to yoga.

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to announce a vibrant and inclusive line-up of grant funded activities to celebrate NSW Seniors Festival 2026, running from Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026.

The Seniors’ Festival is an annual statewide celebration that honours the contributions of older residents and provides opportunities for connection, learning, wellbeing and fun.

This year’s theme, “Live Life in Colour”, encourages seniors to celebrate their life journey, embrace creativity, form new connections and enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

The Live Life in Colour Seniors Expo will bring together service providers, community groups, volunteers and senior support services, alongside engaging guest speakers.

Events include a red-carpet screening of Sunstruck – a special screening of the 1972 film filmed in the Parkes region, with original cast members joining for a Q&A session.

There will also be a range of library and wellbeing activities – from digital literacy and guided tours of the The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition with morning tea, to portraiture and sewing bee workshops, wellness sessions and a live-stream of the Premier’s Gala Concert at the Little Theatre.

The Living Library event will provide a unique opportunity for residents to share their lived experiences as “books” to be “borrowed,” building empathy, understanding and connection across generations.

Activities in the townships will include aqua aerobics, intergenerational rhyme time and a digital technology drop-in session.

Councillor Bill Jayet said “the festival reflects Council’s commitment to celebrating and supporting older residents.”

Council invites all local seniors, carers and community members to join in the celebrations throughout the two-week festival.

With something for everyone, the program promotes social connection, lifelong learning, healthy living and creative engagement.

Full program at: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-media-and-projects/Community-News/2026-NSW-Seniors-Festival-in-the-Parkes-Shire

Local Advocate Drives National Road Safety Change During National Driver Fatigue Week

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

National Driver Fatigue Week (21–27 February) is shining a spotlight on one of the most dangerous and underestimated risks on Australian roads — driver fatigue — led by a local woman whose lived experience has grown into an award-winning national road safety campaign.

Parkes advocate Andrea Helen Hamilton-Vaughan has turned personal tragedy into action, creating the Power Nap fatigue prevention campaign now gaining national recognition across the heavy vehicle and road safety sectors.

Driver fatigue is a factor in more than 20 per cent of Australia’s road fatalities, yet for decades drivers have been told to simply “get a good night’s sleep” or “take regular breaks” — advice that does little to help when fatigue strikes while already behind the wheel.

“The science is clear,” Ms HamiltonVaughan said. “Fatigue is not solved by willpower. The only solution for fatigue is sleep. A short, planned power nap when fatigue first appears can save lives.”

National Driver Fatigue Week promotes the Power Nap message — encouraging drivers to stop and take a 15–20 minute nap at the earliest signs of fatigue.

Research shows this simple intervention restores alertness, improves reaction time and significantly reduces crash risk, with modelling suggesting fatigue-related fatalities could be reduced by up to 20 per cent if widely adopted.

What began as a grassroots campaign has grown into a nationally recognised safety initiative, earning multiple industry awards.

Snippets…

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am to 12pm at 14 Union St, Forbes.

Forbes Men’s Shed: Looking for good company, a laugh, and something to do? The Forbes Men’s Shed is a place to connect, share skills, and have fun. Meet new mates and catch up over a cuppa. Work on hands-on projects — big or small. Learn, teach, or just chat. Open to all men whether retired, working, or looking for something new. Come along, get involved, and enjoy the company.

Parkes Shire Council NSW Seniors Festival Program: Explore our full line-up of free events including expos, films, art, wellbeing, workshops, performances and more across Parkes and Shire townships. For full program and to register for events at: bit.ly/SeniorsFestival2870. For more information, event registrations, or assistance, call the Parkes Shire Library on 6861 2309.

Forbes Medical Centre Bulk Billing: If you have a Medicare card, you will be bulk billed 100% of the time for eligible services at Forbes Medical Centre. With daily appointments available with both male and female GPs, phone the team on 6851 1300 to make an appointment or book online via Hotdoc. Forbes Medical Centre, caring for our community.

Central West Lachlan Landcare: Central West Lachlan Landcare are supporting the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Project as part of the Building Healthy Communities Challenge. This project will run until the end of April, but will have ongoing benefits to the community of Peak Hill. Join the Peak Hill HEART page to follow what is happening and find out more about the project at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/projects-3/peak-hill-building-healthy-communities-challenge/

Forbes Youth Action Team Youth Drop‑in Sessions: Looking for a relaxed space to hang out, study or unwind after school? Head to Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) Every Wednesday during the school term from 4pm – 6pm for ages 12 – 18. These free drop-in sessions offer quiet study areas, recreational activities and a safe, youth‑friendly space. No bookings required – just drop in! For information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/youth-drop-in

Parkes Men’s Shed: Parkes Mens Shed is a non profit shed designed for men to socialise and Do Projects for themselves or community. Come for a chat and a cup of coffee or be involved in some projects for the shed. Enjoy fellowship with other men in a friendly environment.

The Parkes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8.30am to 12pm at the Parkes Showground

Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Fed up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to keep complaining.

The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers were saying.

“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”

Small businesses complaints about internet services increased 16.1 per cent to 483 complaints, with increases noted for slow data speed, up 17.6 per cent to 234 complaints, and no phone or internet service, up 17 per cent to 476 complaints.

“We need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”

Council Unanimously Opposes EFW Proposal

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council has unanimously supported a motion by Mayor Neil Westcott to formally object to the proposed Energyfrom-Waste (EfW) facility within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

“This means that Parkes Council, in totality, is against the EfW project, we are opposed to it, we will not be supporting it. We are not the determining body, but whatever influence we can bring to bear it will be in the form of absolute rejection,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

Mayor Westcott said the decision reflects the strong community sentiment. Critically, Council’s objection will require the NSW Government to refer the planning assessment to the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC).“Our first duty is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, the integrity of our environment, and the reputation of our agricultural sector. When government provides no credible information to demonstrate safety, the community can only conclude that these risks may exist, and that is a failure of leadership,” the Mayor said.

The motion was amended during the meeting and passed unanimously. Each Councillor present had the opportunity to speak about the project during the consideration of the motion. Watch in full on Council’s website https://parkes.infocouncil.biz/

State Member Phil Donato has previously issued a statement on the proposal; “I will not be supporting this project, and I will continue to stand with the people of Parkes to ensure their voices are heard by the government.”

Council’s resolution will be communicated to the NSW Premier, the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the NSW Minister for Environment, the Independent Planning Commission, the Local Member and the Parliamentary Inquiry into Energyfrom-Waste Facilities.

Chair of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Energy-from-Waste facilities Nichole Overall MLC confirmed subsequent public hearings will be held in Parkes and Goulburn in April and May 2026.

Join The Farmers’ March Against The Incinerator

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and show support.

Support the farmers and the agriculture industry of the central west, by joining in the Farmers’ March Against The Incinerator. This is a peaceful, community-led event supporting our farmers and regional industries.

“As a local farmer and Councillor, I’ll be standing with Philip Donato and our farming community in opposition to the proposed incinerator and in support of the future of agriculture in the Central West,” said Councillor Joy Paddison – Parkes Shire Council Meet at the Henry Parkes Statue on Saturday 28 February at 9:30am. Special Guests include Local Member Phil Donato MP and a representative from NSW Farmers.

Chaffey Supports Parkes Council Concerns Over Energy-From-Waste Project

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has shared Parkes Shire Council’s concerns over an Energy-from-Waste project proposed for Parkes. Parkes Shire Council voted unanimously to formally object to the proposed Energy-from-Waste facility within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

Mr Chaffey said despite very clear concerns from the Parkes community, Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) had entered into a project development agreement with Parkes Energy Recovery Pty Ltd to establish the facility.

“Although the approval process is a matter for local and state governments, I made the commitment during the election campaign that one of my first tasks if I was elected, would be to get more details on the project and to meet with the proponent, Parkes Shire Council and concerned members of the community.

“There is tremendous opposition to this project in Parkes, largely due to the lack of information about the technology and its implications,” Mr Chaffey said. “The first hearing of the Parliamentary inquiry into proposed Energy-from-Waste facilities has already heard information that shows some concerning contradictions and information gaps. There have been concerns about the regional locations approved to host these facilities. Why should regional areas be dealing with Sydney’s waste?

“Health concerns including emissions and potential health impacts, along with questions about the government’s ability to adequately monitor and assess these types of facilities remain. In addition, many of the recommendations of a 2017 inquiry appear to have been ignored.

“As Mayor Neil Westcott has stated in his letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns, the development has fractured the Parkes community and left them without answers to significant questions about health and safety.

The Parkes Shire Council is the level of government closest to the community, and I trust it to have a finger on the pulse of the level of concern about this development.

“I support Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes community in calling for a referral of the project to the Independent Planning Commission and for the proposal to be called-in as a State Significant Development.

“This plan could mean 700,000 tonnes of Sydney rubbish is imported to Parkes every year – that’s an astonishing amount to be transported to a Shire with a population of about 15,000. It’s time for the NSW Government to listen to the people of Parkes.”

Parkes Shire Council’s 2025/26 Community Financial Assistance Program Open

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is inviting local not-forprofit and community-based organisations to apply for funding through Round 2 of the 2025/2026 Community Financial Assistance Program, which opened Sunday, 1 February 2026 and closes at 5pm on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Council recognises the important role that cultural, community and sporting organisations play in enhancing the liveability and wellbeing of our Shire. Since the Program’s implementation in 2018, it has provided targeted financial support to help these groups deliver services, events and projects that benefit the local community.

Round 2 includes two types of assistance:

• General Financial Assistance: A ‘helping hand’ through the provision of funds for a specific purpose or event up to an amount of $1,000.

• Leasing and Licencing: A reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned properties.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said the program reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots organisations that make a real difference locally.

“Our community organisations are the backbone of many of the activities, events and services that bring people together across the Shire,” Mayor Westcott said.

“This program is about backing those groups – whether they’re delivering a local event, supporting participation in sport, or helping cover essential operational costs.”

Mayor Westcott encouraged eligible organisations to apply and take advantage of the opportunity. “Even a small amount of financial assistance can have a big impact at a local level. We encourage organisations to put forward their applications and let us know how Council can support the work they’re doing in our communities.”

Applications will be assessed by an Evaluation Panel against the eligibility criteria, with successful applicants required to report back to Council on how the funding was used.

To find out more about the program or to apply, visit: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs

Subscribe