A series of major upgrades to The Bogan Way are complete, transforming more than 25 kilometres of this vital regional freight route and improving safety and access across the Parkes Shire.

Seven projects made up the $15.7 million Parkes Shire North South Link (MR350) Project.This included three projects funded by more than $4.5 million from the Aus­tralian Government under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and over $9 million from the New South Wales Government.

The Bogan Way is a regional road link that provides a vital north-south road train route through the Narromine, Parkes and Forbes shires in central west NSW. It sup­ports transport operators connecting pro­ducers to grain silos and the Central West Livestock Exchange, and is a vital haulage and residential access route.

The completed works enable higher pro­ductivity vehicles, including AB Triples, to safely use the route, thanks to addressing pavement rehabilitation, widening, realign­ment, culvert replacement, and the installa­tion of wire rope barriers.

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said, “The council is fortunate to have the staff and expertise to deliver projects of this scale in-house, supporting our community while dramatically improving safety.”

Central West Credit Union (CWCU), Bank Orange and Family First Bank have joined 22 other regional banks and community organisations to advocate to keep face-toface branches open in regional towns.

The organisations have formed the Re­gional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA) and want essential bank branch services such as cash handling and fraud advice to be supported by a community service obli­gation (CSO) on the wider Australian bank­ing sector to share the cost burden.

Despite inquiries and taskforces, big banks have closed more than 90 regional branches since February 2022, including more than a dozen this year.

CEO of CWCU, Ron Hetherington, said, “The big four banks alone made more than $31billion in profit last year, but continue to walk away from the communities that helped build their success”.“It’s time to meet our community service obligations and support the banks that stay so that they can continue to provide the face-to-face banking services that Austral­ians need.”

The Alliance have been garnering sup­port from community groups, with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) NSW, Regional HQ, Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA) and National Seniors signing on as sup­porters.

CEO of CWA NSW, Danica Leys said, “Regional and rural Australia is the life­blood of Australia. Many families in the re­gions rely on their local branch for not just face-to-face banking services, but for em­ployment and sponsorships.

“Regional banks keep their profits local and are helping our country towns thrive.

People in rural Australia should not miss out on essential services.”

With the finalisation of a cash mandate on the government’s agenda, a new con­sultation on cash distribution, and continu­ation of branch closures from larger banks, the Alliance hopes to continue work with the government on creating an environ­ment where face-to-face branch services and fair cash distribution is available, no matter where you live in Australia.

At the heart of every Meals on Wheels ser­vice is a simple but powerful mission: to support the wellbeing, independence, and connection of older people in our commu­nity. In Parkes and Forbes, this mission has been carried out with dedication and care for decades — and today, we’re proud to share a new chapter in that story.

Meals on Wheels Parkes and Meals on Wheels Forbes are coming together to strengthen the future of local meal delivery and community support. This collaboration between two like-minded services, work­ing together to ensure that our communities continue to receive the care they deserve, now and into the future.

While some changes will take place be­hind the scenes, our clients and volunteers can rest assured:

• The services you know and trust are staying the same.

• Clients will continue to receive the same friendly service, with the same caring vol­unteers.

• There will be no changes to volunteer roles or support.

• Both Parkes and Forbes offices will re­main open and active.

• A combined staff and administration team will now work across both locations.

• Most excitingly, we’ll be able to offer some additional services to meet the growing needs of our communities.

This new structure allows us to pool our resources, share our strengths, and work more efficiently, all while keeping our focus firmly on the people we serve. By coming together, we’re future-proofing Meals on Wheels for both towns, ensuring that our support for older residents remain strong, responsive, and local.

We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, and supporters who make this work possible every day. Together, we are build­ing a stronger, more connected future for Meals on Wheels in Parkes and Forbes.

Wednesday 27 August was National Meals on Wheels Day, a day to celebrate the local volunteers, customers and community members who make it all possible. Under this year’s theme, “Aged Care You Can Count On”, Meals on Wheels is proudly reaffirming its promise to be a trusted, reliable presence in the lives of older Australians.

“For more than 70 years, Meals on Wheels has delivered more than just meals. We bring nourishment, safety and a friendly face to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and we do it with heart.”