Cr Pat Smith (with flowers) was recognised for her 13 years of services at at the Parkes/Forbes Community Housing Inc as treasurer. With Pat are (L-R) Cr Bill Jayet, Cr Graeme Miller, Margaret Robinson and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton.

$1.2 Million For Infrastructure: Parkes Shire Council will receive an extra $1,281,760 under an extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program as part of the 2020 Budget, bringing the total funding to more than $2.6 million. “Local councils understand the immediate needs in their communities which is why this money is so important to support local jobs and local businesses in Parkes and the wider region,” said member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

2020 Vision: Eye checks for children at the age of four years are essential for the early identification and treatment of vision problems and to reduce the likelihood of permanent vision loss. NSW was first to implement universal screening for preschoolers – the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program. Western NSW LHD StEPS Coordinator Sandy Ford said early screening led to optimal vision. “It is critical that this screening is provided to four-year- olds before they start school.” Free screening is available to all four-year-old children. StEPS screeners visit preschools and long day care centres, and children who do not attend centres or are in home care can also access the free service. Find out how by visiting https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/paediatric-services. Families can also ask their GP to test their child’s vision or refer their child to an eye health professional.

Culture Maps Central NSW: An exciting new resource was recently launched by Arts OutWest, in partnership with RDA Central West and the Central NSW Joint Organisation of Councils. As an interactive online map, the culture maps feature 400 pinned places, including museums, galleries and artist studios, heritage sites and trails, places to shop for handmade things, Aboriginal cultural places and experiences, and for the first time – a comprehensive regional map of public art. The maps are themed so you can search by category or location within the Central NSW region that includes the Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin Local Government Areas.

COVID-19 Testing: Book a COVID-19 test if you have, or recently had: fever, short- ness of breath, sore throat, and cough. Contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000.

Keeping the show spirit alive. Show societies in NSW are encouraged to create a No Show Scarecrow in solidarity with all the cancelled shows.

No Show Scarecrow: Many agricultural shows have been cancelled this year. The Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) is encouraging every show society to create a No Show Scarecrow as a sign of solidarity across NSW for cancelled shows. “Agricultural shows in Australia attract six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 580 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country,” said ASC CEO, Tim Capp.The ASC of NSW has asked all shows to display their No Show Scarecrow throughout the month of October. “Shows are unique reflections of their local community, and we recommend each show society puts a local spin on their No Show Scarecrow to be displayed proudly in a prominent location as a reminder that the show will go on and put a smile on local faces in the process.”

Youth Have Their Say: Young leaders and youth organisations are invited to provide their views by completing a survey ahead of the implementation of the National Youth Policy framework, which will provide a pathway of continued support for young people around Australia. “Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” said Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP. The Youth Taskforce is in the process of developing a whole-of-government approach to supporting young people. The survey can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/the-national-youth-policy-framework#have-your-say

Aussie Backyard Bird Count: BirdLife Australia are calling all Australians to take part in their Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 19-25th October – the nation’s largest conservation event. Following a devastating year so far – with the Black Summer fires and COVID-19 pandemic – this count is a chance for all Aussies to take a break, connect with nature and do something peaceful in your own backyard. Studies estimate that at least 180 million birds were wiped out by the destructive bushfires, but a significant number of wild birds sought refuge in gardens and parks. Data from the Bird Count will help BirdLife Australia track how bird populations are faring across the country. The Aussie Bird Count app allows you to take part anywhere – not just backyards, but in local parks, gardens, schoolyards, bushland or beaches. To register and find out more, visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

The Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope has been madly busy the past two weeks with so many people travelling regionally in the holidays.