The demolition of the 110-year-old Parkes hospital was completed just before Christmas. It took four months to complete the project that was delivered on time and within budget. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Engineering Services, Ben Howard was pleased the project had been completed in a cost efficient and timely manner. “The second
phase of the demolition process saw the contractors transport the building material off site for crushing. This allowed the demolition phase to be finished ahead of the nominated completion date.”

Ben said with the main demolition phase complete, final site works would pave the way for a new residential redevelopment and repurposing of the two remaining buildings. The fence erected around the site will remain as final site works are carried out to remove all the footings and underground utilities, top dressing, and seeding all affected areas.

“The removal of all hazardous building materials has been done in compliance with the hazardous materials guidelines and furthermore, no incidents or safety issues arose throughout the entire project”, Ben said. The old hospital was demolished following the NSW Government’s $72.8 million investment towards building the new hospital just off the Forbes Road, which was officially opened in 2015.

Health District welcomes new Chairperson:
The Board for Western NSW Local Health District has a new chairperson and four new members. Following the end of his six-year tenure as Chair, Dr Robin Williams stepped down at the end of last year. Health Minister Jillian Skinner appointed Scott Griffiths PSM in the role. He has been a member of the Board for the past six years, and chair of the finance and performance sub-committee for the same period.

Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan said Dr Williams and the Board had been instrumental in leading the organisation towards a clearer vision and pioneering the introduction of key health strategies, including the very successful Integrated Care initiative.

Helen Rowbotham, Miss Priscilla 2016, is ready to hand her crown over on Thursday, 12th January at theGoodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner at the Parkes Services Club. Bookings at 6862 1966. Doors open at 6:30pm. (Photo: Parkes Elvis Festival)

The environment will be the biggest winner as a result of Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) teaming up with Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils. To enable CWLL to promote more sustainable environmental practices, wildlife
habitat preservation and community education across the region, Forbes Shire Council have donated a 2015 Toyota Kluger with Parkes Shire Council providing $10,000 per year for three years to offset running costs for the vehicle.

CWLL Chairperson, Margot Jolly said this support would enable CWLL to engage in activities and initiatives outside normal trading hours for the benefit of both shire regions. “With this additional support from Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils, CWLL can continue to host the Skillset Green Army teams, who have undertaken work in both shires.
The program provides training and skill development for young people. CWLL will also be able to continue to develop programs across our region over the next three years”.

CWLL secured funding through the Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative to provide a part-time position until June 2019 for a coordinator. This allows CWLL to run an office open between 9am – 3.30pm on weekdays. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “This funding arrangement will serve to reinforce the positive relationship between
the organisations, and assist in the delivery of long term landcare outcomes for the two communities.” Forbes Shire Mayor, Cr Graeme Miller said his Council was proud to partner with a neighbouring community to support CWLL in its efforts to make the area vibrant and sustainable. “This is a significant contribution and will allow CWLL offer their services on a wider scale,” he said.

The local Landcare Coordinator Initiative, which has been outlaid throughout NSW, will provide over $15 million to renew the government-community relationship and unlock the full potential of thousands of volunteers in the Landcare network.

The winner of the social media photo competition of the Colour Parkes campaign comes all the way from Queensland. Felicity Cootes from Black Duck Creek near Brisbane snapped the winning image at The Dish. She took the winning entry inside the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre. Felicity was selected from over 90 social media submissions.

Parkes Shire Council launched the Colour Parkes campaign in September and Council’s Brand and Marketing Manager Katrina Dwyer thanked all the local businesses for participating in the campaign. “Thanks to the Parkes Chamber of Commerce and our destination marketing partners for their support. It was fantastic to have over 16 special offers as part of the campaign. “Despite environmental impacts including flooding and storms during the 10 week campaign period, over 220 Colour Passes were downloaded, over 100,000 people reached via Facebook and over 70 special offers were redeemed at participating businesses,” Katrina said.

In the midst of the Christmas rush, the shopping bonanza, end of school and the Christmas parties we are easily distracted from the main event – may we never forget the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for this joyous season.
However you choose to celebrate Christmas and the holiday, whether it be by having a barbecue at Lake Forbes, catching up with mates under the verandahs in Lockhart, picking cherries in Young for the Christmas pav, riding the 5 o’clock wave at Wagga Wagga beach or stopping on the Newell in West Wyalong, I pray that everyone in the Riverina and Central West drives to the conditions, takes plenty of breaks, protects themselves from the sun and heat and is water wise.

While many of us will be with our family and friends, we also think of those who are on their own and perhaps not able to experience the joy of Christmas. We also think of and pay tribute to those who serve our nation in the defence forces and are on deployment, and to those rostered to work over Christmas as police, fire and ambulance officers. They give up their precious time with their loved ones to protect and keep us safe. In between the last morsel of Christmas ham being consumed, the end of the Boxing Day Cricket Test and the lighting of the New Year fireworks, I hope that everyone in the Riverina electorate can take the time to reflect on the year that was. It was a tough one for many in terms of flooding and natural disasters, but it was also a rewarding one for others and the many achievements it delivered.

I am glad, as the re-elected Federal Member, to have been able to celebrate the many accomplishments of individuals, communities and small businesses and witnessed the goodwill and kindness shown to others throughout the difficult times this year. My wife Catherine and I extend our best wishes to all for a Happy Christmas and a successful 2017 and again encourage everyone to stay safe, make good choices and remember the reason for the season.