For those of you on the road this long weekend, whether going on a trip or even just driving around town, be aware. Double demerit points will be in force again over the Easter holiday period to improve safety on roads across the state.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the double demerit point period would commence on Thursday 29 March and conclude on Monday 2 April (inclusive).

“Double demerit points will apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences this Easter holiday period. NSW Police will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink driving and driver fatigue.”

Since their inception in 1997 there have been significant reductions in fatal crashes over the holiday periods; including Christmas/New Year, Easter and long weekends. Mobile phone offences were added to the list of double demerit point penalties in December 2015, with the aim of deterring this dangerous and distracting behaviour.
“Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, using your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn’t worth the risk of not arriving at all.”

“I ask all drivers to remain vigilant over the Easter holiday period. We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts,” Ms Suitor said.

Lachlan Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time. “People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but unfortunately none of us are immune. Disturbingly almost three times as many people died on NSW roads over the Christmas/New Year break. We have seen some poor decisions made by a handful of drivers across the state.

“Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this five-day period. There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught,” Sergeant Jeffree said.

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

The 2018-19 edition of the Parkes Shire Destination Guide was officially launched last Wednesday at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. The new destination guide is set to become the cornerstone of the region’s destination marketing and creative for a destination appeal campaign promoting the Parkes region as a place to ‘be out there’, explore, and see first-hand what makes the Parkes region all add up as an appealing tourist destination.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, “our new Destination Guide showcases our unique events, experiences and iconic attractions that make Parkes all add up as an appealing tourist destination.” “Tourism provides a significant economic contribution of over $58 million to the local economy each year and we need to continue to
implement these key marketing initiatives to ensure visitation and spend continues to grow for our local businesses.”

Delegates at the recent 2018 Local Government NSW Tourism Conference got a sneak preview of the new cover and  promotional video ahead of the official launch.

For the first time, the Parkes Shire Destination Guide has been developed as a digital experience with a magazine flipbook and clickable video content taking viewers on a visual journey of our major attractions and experiences throughout the region. A record number of industry partners have joined the campaign promoting their establishments, attractions and events in the advertisingdirectory which financially supports the production of the
guide and promotion of the region to potential visitors.

30,000 copies of the full colour brochure will be strategically distributed throughout Australia to encourage awareness and visitation to the region. You can pick up a copy of the free Destination Guide at the Parkes and Peak Hill Visitor Information Centres and key visitor outlets and gateways including the Parkes Airport, The Dish and coffee shops, pubs and shopping outlets throughout the Shire.

You might be planning a trip somewhere with Easter and the school holidays fast approaching. Before you set off be sure to get your vehicle checked over.

Do the following:
Check tyre pressure; replace tyres when you only have 2mm wear left; use a match head to check tread – if part of the head shows, it’s replacement time; replace tyre caps to keep water and debris out of valves; don’t forget – check the spare too!

At Tuned Suspension in Parkes, an agent for Pedders Suspension, you can get a tow and load assessment for $75. This world first and comprehensive service is designed for those who tow or carry loads to better understand the effects of weight on their vehicle relevant to their individual driving scenarios. The end result of the assessment
will provide your vehicle weight relevant to the likely driving scenarios that you will face.

Give Warren a call from Wops Glass and get that annoying chip in the windscreen fixed before your holiday road trip. Wops Glass also specialises in Insurance work.

With all of this in mind stay safe on the road this Easter and school holidays!

An eight-year-old Parkes student with a heart of gold is dancing and cooking for the benefit of less fortunate people.
Alex Sammut-Paul raised over $200 dancing outside Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture during the Elvis Festival. Her aim was to raise money for East Timor through her church, Uniting Church Welcome Congregation.

After ‘tasting’ success, Alex did not want to stop and the idea for a business venture was born when she was helping her mum Marty cook food for their new puppies, Rupert and Scout.

As Alex loves cooking it was agreed she would prepare and sell wholesome, home cooked pet food to raise money for more charities. Alex has been working very hard getting Great Grub up and running. It functions as a self-serve, honesty-based business with food put in the freezer at 46 Military Road (Cnr Cheney Rd) carport. People can pick
up containers and pay in the honesty box, or place orders on Messenger on the Great Grub Facebook page.

“I feel happy when I can help people in need. It is very sad to see children especially who do not have enough food, water or clothing or doing it tough,” said Alex. “I feel compelled to help.”

The 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show from Friday, 23rd March to Tuesday, 3rd April will have many new attractions this year including the likes of Paw Patrol, Despicable Me 3 and Shimmer and Shine for children. The Outback Stockman Arena will have Sheep Shearing, the Bonnie Yard Dogs and the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn. The show also offers the latest in fashion and technology. See our competition in What’s Hot to win tickets to this year’s show!