Destination Central West (DNCW) is con­tinuing to work with industry, councils and government partners to support the region following the diversion of the Great Western Highway.

Transport for NSW has advised that the closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months while stabilisation works are undertaken. During this period, the Cen­tral West remains open and accessible via several alternative routes, and businesses across the region continue to welcome visitors. We recognise that this situation is evolving quickly and that many businesses are already responding to visitor questions and travel concerns.

DNCW is continuing support industry during this period, including; Monitoring visitor economy impacts through industry feedback and survey data, Providing clear visitor messaging and industry communica­tions resources, Working with councils and regional partners to support coordinated messaging Advocating to Destination NSW and NSW Government on behalf of the re­gion’s visitor economy. DNCW will continue providing updates to industry as the situa­tion evolves.

Businesses are encouraged to continue promoting events, experiences and regional travel while sharing clear information about alternative travel routes. For the latest road conditions, visitors should check:Transport for NSW and Live Traffic NSW

Last Saturday, over 70 people journeyed to celebrate the launch of the Promise Faith Centre Churches International Official Launch at its new headquarters at the for­mer Mamre Farm in Alectown.

Bishop Barry Cunnington, who leads this ministry, said he was thrilled with the day and the number of people who travelled far and wide, some from as far as Qld and Vic to celebrate their launch and learn more about the exciting things that are planned for the Central West.

“It was a wonderful day.” Bp Barry said.

“We were delighted to have the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee welcome us to this region and share her heart.”

He went on to share that this new head­quarters brings him back to his Central West roots, as he grew up in a farming fam­ily near West Wyalong.

“I have a real heart for the people of this region,” he said. “I’ve been there, in droughts, and dust storms, good crops and bad, and I know there are hurting people out there who need hope – hope that only Jesus Christ can truly give.”

Their first event coming up, however, is a 72hr, non-stop Prayer, Praise and Worship time in May with many coming from other states to join in worship and prayer to the Lord.

On the October Long Weekend, they are establishing an annual Camp Meeting with the focus to ‘Mobilise Aussies for Christ’ – to encourage and equip for mission – “To go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Interested in finding out more? Please head to their website www.promisefaith.com.au

Parkes Shire Council is calling on all local community groups and organisations to join a brand-new online Community Directory designed to help residents connect, belong and get involved across the Shire.

The new directory will make it easier than ever for people to discover local clubs, groups and activities – from sporting teams and hobby groups to cultural organisations, charities and volunteer services.

The directory is now live www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-directory and is a key part of an exciting social cohe­sion project led by Parkes Shire Library and proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Parkes Shire Library & Information Servic­es Team Leader Tracy Dawson said the pro­ject is all about helping people feel welcome and connected, no matter where they live or how they’ve been part of the community.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said community groups are the backbone of the region and play a vital role in building a strong, resilient Shire.

“Our sporting clubs, cultural groups, chari­ties and volunteer organisations are the heart of our communities,” the Mayor said.

“This directory will make it easier for peo­ple to find the groups that make our towns great. The more groups that register, the stronger and more connected our commu­nity becomes.”

Council is encouraging community groups to register, including: sporting clubs, social and interest groups, arts, music and cultural organisations, multicultural groups, men’s and women’s groups, youth and seniors groups, community service organisations and charities. For information or to register your group, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-directory

Pictured from left to right is Justin Fleming, Tara Kelly, Chris Ryan, and Richard Fleming.

Flemings Property Services has expanded its footprint across regional New South Wales, entering the Central West through a new alignment with respected real estate leader Tara Kelly. Her established Forbes and Parkes offices are transitioning from the Century 21 franchise and will now oper­ate under the Flemings brand.

The move reflects Flemings’ continued confidence in the strength of regional prop­erty markets and its commitment to provid­ing greater opportunities for clients through stronger brand recognition, expanded re­sources and enhanced support for its coun­try-based teams.

Founded in Boorowa in 2000, Flem­ings has steadily grown its presence and now operates across Harden, Cootamun­dra, Young and Cowra. With the addition of Parkes and Forbes, the company now spans seven thriving regional communities and employs a team of more than 40 peo­ple.

Managing Director Justin Fleming said the expansion represents a natural next step for the business, which has always been built around the communities it serves.

“Our business has grown out of the places where we live and work and com­munities we care deeply about,” Mr Flem­ing said. “We’re proud of the business we’ve built, the service we provide and the way we contribute locally. The Forbes and Parkes offices are a perfect fit for our net­work and we’re proud to welcome Tara and her team to the Flemings family.”

Principal Tara Kelly said joining Flemings felt like a natural progression, with the com­pany’s values closely aligned with the way her team operates.

“This move allows our clients to continue working with the same local team they know and trust, now backed by a strong, country focused leadership and support network,” Ms Kelly said.

Over the coming weeks, locals will see new navy-and-white Flemings branding ap­pear across the Central West, representing trust, reliability and strong country values.

For information follow link https://linktr.ee/flemingspropertyservices

Tuesday 10 March was Safer Internet Day – a reminder that it’s never too early to help children start developing digital literacy and safe online habits. In regonition of this, the Federal Minister for Edu­cation, the Hon. Jason Clare MP joined Healthy Harold to launch a new module for the early years, Harold’s Safe Screen Time.

“According to the eSafety Commission, many toddlers can swipe on devices before they can even speak, and 81 per cent of Austral­ian parents report that their 2 to 5-year-old uses the internet,” said Karen Robertson, CEO at Life Ed Australia.

“This is confronting, but not a surprise when we look at the world that our children are growing up in. It’s more complex, more con­nected. We need to meet them where they are and support them with our most powerful tool; education.”

This is the purpose of Harold’s Safe Screen Time. It aims to initiate important conversations about online safety with our littlest learners.

It addresses critical topics with children aged three to five, such as:

early warning signs when something feels unsafe, help-seeking be­haviours, screen time management, autonomy and consent.

Like all of Life Ed’s early years modules, Harold’s Safe Screen Time is presented in an age-appropriate way. It uses the power of storytelling, through a specially crafted Healthy Harold Big Book, to explore basic concepts and encourage discussions that spark curi­osity, joy and a love for learning.

“We all have a responsibility to work together to keep children safe and to prepare them for the world – online and in real-time,” continued Ms Robertson.

Available nationally, bookings are open now at lifeed.org.au/har­oldssafescreentime

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP has re­sponded with strong criticism of Transport for NSW following the agency’s announced indefinite closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. The independent MP has called on the NSW Government for urgent action to address the fragility of the transport corridor linking Sydney to West­ern NSW.

The closure is already disrupting freight movements, businesses and regional com­munities that rely on the highway as the primary east–west connection to the state’s capital.

The MP has warned that the problem will only worsen as freight volumes grow with projects such as the Inland Rail and the ex­pansion of the Parkes freight hub.

“If we don’t start planning long-term solu­tions now, this corridor will become one of the biggest freight bottlenecks in Australia,” Mr Donato said.

“For decades we’ve seen massive in­frastructure investment in Sydney — pro­jects like WestConnex and NorthConnex — while regional transport corridors are left struggling with ageing infrastructure.”

“Regional communities contribute enor­mously to the state’s economy, particularly through agriculture and mining, yet we are still relying on a single vulnerable corridor to move goods and people between West­ern NSW and Sydney,” said Mr Donato.