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.

Double demerit points will be in force for 11 days over the Christmas and New Year period to improve road safety. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dolbel, said double demerit points would run from today to Monday, 2nd January 2017 (inclusive). Lachlan Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree said double demerit points would apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences over the 11 day period. “It is extremely costly to lose demerit points at this time of year. Don’t take
the risk of losing your licence.”

Logan said since the introduction of double demerit points in 1997 there had been significant reductions in fatal crashes over the holiday periods. “This year alone, 375 lives have been lost on the states roads, 39 more than the same period last year. We want everyone to have a happy and safe Christmas with their families – please obey the road rules and drive safely,” Logan said.

Twinkle Toes Dance Studio (TTDS) finished off a huge year of dance with the sell-out end of year Variety Concert at the Parkes Leagues Club last weekend. The concert showcased different dance styles – ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary and acro. The Boy’s Hip Hop performance was a highlight, as was the Bollywood number performed by Senior Jazz. The ballet students were all thrilled to dance in their tutus, from the youngest at just 2 ½ years old through to the pointe class dancing on their toes.

Major awards for excellence and encouragement in each dance style were awarded at the concert, as well as junior and senior studio champions. TTDS enrolment day will be on Saturday, 28th January 2017 at the studio at 370 Clarinda Street.

New Years Resolutions For Businesses
In the aftermath of the holiday season, when you look back on the past year, how well did your business fare? Ask yourself a few questions: What worked well? What can be improved upon? Which areas keep you awake at night? What would you like to see happen? Challenge yourself. Select one or two areas that you would like to work on and set some SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound.

Would you like to increase sales x% by June 30? You could increase your advertising budget x%, provided it is aimed at your target markets. You could increase prices x%. Do you want to reduce costs by y%? You could look at the procedures and systems in place to produce your product. You could review your contracts and search for better deals. Perhaps improved cash flow is what you are after? You might need to chase those long outstanding accounts receivable, reduce debtor days down to xx days. You might be able to reduce your stock level by x%.

Not all goals can be measured in percentages, perhaps you want to set up a website by next year. Do you want to be seen as an expert in your field? You could brush up on your knowledge. Read a business related book a month. Share that knowledge with your target market. Whatever goals you set for yourself, make sure they are SMART goals, and write them down. You are much more likely to commit to a goal if it is in writing.

By Samantha Bennett
Peter Woods and Associates

Parkes High School Year 11 student Yasmin Potts received the Victor Chang Science Award at a ceremony in Dubbo recently. This award acknowledges Yasmin’s achievement and her passion for science. Yasmin’s passion for science was evident in her application and interview for the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2017. She was successful and is looking forward to this opportunity to work at the Australian National University for two weeks, alongside other students and researchers who share her passion for science. Yasmin achieved first in Physics, first in Chemistry, first in Mathematics and first in Mathematics Extension 1 in Year 11.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute said: “A career in science can be hugely fulfilling, but you need to be passionate. Science is about trying to understand and solve nature’s problems, no matter how big or small.” The Victor Chang School Science Awards were established over a decade ago to honour bright, young students excelling in the subject, with the hope that they would consider a career in the field.

Parkes High School Principal, Sandra Carter said: “Yasmin is a deserved winner of this prestigious award. She is
continually striving to improve her knowledge and understanding in all things science and has achieved outstanding academic results. The Parkes High School community is very proud of Yasmin.”