Harrison Kennedy (Year 6) and Indianna Kennedy (Year 4) represented Middleton Public School at the Parkes Action Club Public Speaking Competition. Indianna took out first place in her division with her speech “It Wasn’t My Idea!” receiving a perpetual trophy and $100 for the school.

Pink Hill: The Peak Hill Community Health Team at the Peak Hill Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is urging the community to turn Pink for the month of October to raise awareness about Women’s Health and in particular breast cancer awareness. “We encourage our community to also participate and to ‘Pink’ up your venue, host a ‘Pink’ morning tea, decorate shop fronts, dye your hair, wear pink clothing or whatever takes your fancy,” said Primary and Community Health nurse Louise O’Leary. All money raised will go to the McGrath Foundation and the support of breast care nurses. If you have an idea or want to get involved, call 6861 7100 and ask to speak to Pam, Rae, Michelle or Louise.

Nominate Your Town For A Makeover: As the drought continues to take its toll, Rural Aid is launching a campaign to give 10 country towns impacted by drought a makeover. The 10 towns will receive a minimum of $100,000 each over five years. Working with town leaders, the money will be spent developing plans, workshops, and to support the long-term sustainability of the town and local community. Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will also spend a week in the town undertaking a range of infrastructure projects. Applications close 30 September. To nominate a town go to: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/nominate/.

Spring Photo Comp: The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its Spring Photo Competition with a great prize to be won! Send us your Spring photos on our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Entries close on Thursday, 31st October.

Take the Road Safety Pledge: Locals are encouraged to take the pledge to help reduce road related incidents as part of Rural Road Safety Month during September. Last year over 700 people were killed on rural roads, while one in two rural drivers admitted to speeding, using their mobile phone or driving distracted with their children in the car. Statistics show that rural drivers are more likely to drive under the influence and drive whilst tired compared to their city counterparts.  Rural Road Safety Month calls on road users to make the pledge to: Always be fit to drive; Scan the road ahead; Know their limits and plan their trip; Stay sharp and take regular breaks; Not drive through flooded waters; Be alert for wildlife and livestock; and Drive to suit the conditions. Take the pledge today by visiting www.arsf.com.au/take-the-pledgefor-rrs/

Natika Smith with her six-month-old blue and gold macaw called Bindi. She has run the Birds pavilion for the past six years and this year received a record of 85 entries.

Market Day: The congregation of St. Georges have been praying for rain to assist our district. If it rains on our Market Day on Saturday, 7th of September still come as we have huge halls to keep you dry, but wouldn’t it be great to be dancing in the rain? The famous plant and cake stalls will be abundant, there will be a delicious Devonshire tea, games for the kids, white elephant stalls and BBQ with dessert. Tour the beautiful interiors of the heritage building and come and have a great day out.

Recycled Water For Green Parks: Construction on the Recycled Water Rising Main is complete, with the 12km purple pipeline connecting selected public greenspaces around Parkes. The project also included the construction of a reservoir on Nash Street and pump stations at Nash Street, Renshaw McGirr Way and the Recycling Facility. Commissioning and testing started at Armstrong Park last week. Other parks and sporting fields will be switching to recycled water in the coming months. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure,

Andrew Francis said: “We are on track to turn on the purple taps as we move into summer, so our parks and ovals will be irrigated with recycled water during peak water demand. The scheme ensures our sporting amenities are maintained through dry times, and will ease pressure on our drinking water supplies.” Irrigation will be scheduled at night, although testing may
take place during business hours during commissioning. While recycled water is safe for irrigation, it is not suitable for human consumption and direct contact with sprinkler sprays should be avoided.

Grants To Protect Local Environment: Local communities in the Central West and Riverina can share in $150,000 of funding in the Communities Environment Program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant being $2,500 and the maximum grant set at $20,000. Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned before 27th September. To be eligible you must be a community organisation, which is a legal entity and able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. Community clubs, scouts and guides groups, sports clubs, not-for-profit organisations, schools, councils and other community and conservation groups can apply. An EOI form can be obtained by calling 6921 4600, online at https://www.michaelmccormack.com.au/s/ SCP-expression-of-interest-form-withfactsheet-and-FAQ.pdf or emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au.

Benjamin Doughty (2) could not wait to get a taste of this huge lolly at the Parkes Show on Tuesday.