Articles Archives - Page 57 of 452

New Ev Stations Installed In Parkes

February 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the installation of four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Parkes Library carpark, supported by funding from the NSW Electric Vehicle Destination Charging Grants program.

The works were completed last week, and the stations are now in the final stages of configuration and registration. They are anticipated to be operational within the next fortnight, providing a convenient and sustainable charging option for all residents, visitors, and Council staff who need to charge their electric vehicles.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2023 and the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy.

These strategies aim to reduce transport emissions and establish New South Wales as the easiest and most affordable place in Australia to purchase and to operate an EV.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee said that the project demonstrates Council’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. “The installation of these charging stations is a key step in supporting our community with the transition to electric vehicles and outlines Parkes Shire Council’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future. We’re proud to be a part of this significant state-wide push towards reducing emissions and promoting cleaner, greener transport solutions,” Cr Applebee said.

The charging stations will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be designated exclusively for EVs, making them accessible for everyone.

Council will charge a minimal fee for usage, which will be determined annually by the average cost of electricity at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre over a 12-month period.

This project will enable Parkes Shire Council to future-proof the community while ensuring we keep pace with evolving technology and sustainability trends.

For further information, please contact Council’s Manager Environment and Sustainability, Michael Chambers, on 6861 2333.

Wiradjuri Culture Recognised In Parkes Bypass Artworks

January 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

In September 2024, Transport for NSW, in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, invited all local Aboriginal artists to submit artworks to be chosen to feature on two elements of the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project – on safety screens on the Victoria Street Bridge and on signage at either end of the bypass.

Following a review of the submissions, Wiradjuri women and cousins from Parkes Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull’s design was selected to appear on the bridge’s safety screens and Wiradjuri local from Peak Hill, Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney’s artwork will feature on the signposts.

Kyah Turnbull said their design reflected Wiradjuri culture and the local environment by using symbols and patterns alongside a range of animals local to the Parkes area.

“We have used meeting place symbols and travelling lines to connect Parkes to its surroundings towns, essentially creating a map of the Parkes Shire. These include Peak Hill, Trewilga, Alectown, Cookamidgera, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore,” Kyah said.

Reflecting on his winning submission, Mr Towney said “Wiradjuri pattern symbols serve as a visual representation of the land while the people figures are a nod to our elders who have paved the way for us.”

“Parkes is depicted as the main meeting place, symbolising its importance as a cultural hub for the Wiradjuri people and its outreach to surrounding towns.”

Parkes Shire Concert Band Graces The Cover Of Magazine The Music Stand

January 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Concert Band members were thrilled when they were chosen to feature on the cover of “The Music Stand”, a publication produced by the NSW Band Association. Their purpose is to connect and communicate with bands across NSW.

Club member Elly Tom said of the honour, “It was amazing to win the Christmas Cover competition, mainly because we are such a small band in number, though dedicated in commitment. I thought a larger band photo would be more appealing. The win was a great boost as we make a huge voluntary commitment to the band to play at community events.”

Christmas and Elvis was a busy time for the PSCB, their next community event will be on 20 February at the Anglican Church, then during March, April and May at Homegrown, ANZAC Day, and some members will attend a Riverina Con workshop and concert. The club also looks forward to playing Mothers Day at the Southern Cross Village fete.

This year will mark the Parkes Shire Concert Band’s 30th Anniversary as a Concert Band, inclusive of woodwind, strings, and keyboard etc. Prior to 1995 we were the Parkes Brass Band, originating in the 1890s. Stay tuned for the celebratory 25 July weekend workshops and concerts with many previous members returning. If you used to play with the band, please contact Duncan 0438 678 916.

The PSCB recently played for the Southern Cross residents at Christmas and during Elvis. “We do look forward to playing at Southern Cross, it’s always a highlight for us. The residents are very appreciative, as they can not easily attend the community events we play at. With us visiting them, they feel part of the community,” said PSCB member Elly Tom.

Changed Traffic Conditions In Parkes

January 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Newell Highway between Tichborne and Daroobalgie from Monday 3 February for heavy patching work.

Work will be carried out between 7am and 5pm and is expected to be completed by Friday 28 February, weather permitting.

For the safety of workers and road users, single lane closures and a reduced speed of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours. The speed limit will return to 60 km/h outside of work hours. When the work is completed, the speed limit will return to the posted speed.

Motorists are also advised of changed traffic conditions on London Road in Parkes from Wednesday 29 January to support the Parkes Bypass project.

There will be changes to the way road users access London Road between Ballerdee Lane and the Parkes Golf Course.

Traffic will be diverted onto the newly constructed London Road offset intersection while the bypass alignment is constructed over the current London Road traffic alignment. The current temporary traffic signals will also remain in place for several weeks to allow for completion of work in this location.

Intermittent stopping and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours and may affect travel times.

Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and is expected to be complete in eight weeks, weather permitting.

For the latest traffic information, visit livetraffic.com, download the Live Traffic app or call Transport Management Centre 132 701.

Quorn Park Hybrid: Project Update

January 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Our team enjoyed the Parkes Elvis Festival atmosphere and fully embraced it by dressing up, and stepping back in time to celebrate his iconic influence.

The Quorn Park Hybrid Farm, on Back Trundle Road, Parkes NSW, is progressing the construction phase of the project.

Initial construction activities started with material import for temporary tracks and working pads, soon to transition for permanent internal access roads. Vehicle movements towards the solar farm have remained monitored and under control, whilst the final road upgrade in Henry Parkes Way and McGrath Lane are completed. Once the upgrade is underway, additional construction activities will begin, including piling (support structures for the photovoltaic panels), perimeter security fencing and foundations.

Light and heavy vehicles are transiting on Henry Parkes Way, Mc Grath Lane, Back Trundle Road as goods and personnel are transported to site, generally between 7.00am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday.

Quorn Park project team recently took part in the Parkes Elvis Festival in January 2025.

Potentia Energy had a stall at Cooke Park from 8-11 January 2025, where our team was able to share information about Quorn Park Hybrid and solar and renewable energy more generally, answering questions about our project, who we are and what we do, while giving away resources on renewable energy, and Potentia Energy branded merchandise.

Potentia Energy and Beon Energy Solutions (EPC contractor for the project) aim to maximise opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to participate in the project through the provision of goods and services to the project site and workforce.

Beon Energy Solutions will seek to employ a local workforce to support the construction of the project. Opportunities will include labourers, truck drivers, cleaners and plant operators. The specifics of these roles will be made publicly available in early 2025For further queries or feedback about Quorn Park Hybrid we encourage you to reach out via email quornparkhybrid@potentiaenergy.com.au

Congratulations Henry Kross

January 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

LEFT: Parkes elite sportsman Henry Cross pictured with Parkes Mayor Niel Westcott upon receiving the 2024 Star of Stars Award. RIGHT: Congratulations to the two Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc members who won Australia Day Awards. Angela Bottaro-Porter for Coach/Trainer/Manager of the Year and Wayne Osborne for Administrator of the Year.

Henry Cross had a massive 2024 and it is no wonder he was awarded the 2024 Star of Stars Award at the Parkes Australia Day Awards.

Henry’s long list of achievements include the following: Western Silver U/17, U/15 Australian Selection, Western Region CHS #1 Selection, National Next Gen Squad selection, U/15 Australian Junior Open, U/15 Oceania, Winner Trans Tasman Vs New Zealand, U/15 NSW CHS State Champion, NSW CHS Open Boys Western Teams, NSW CHS Selection as #1, NSW State Champion, NSW Bluetongues Selection as #1, First Pro Satellite Tour Tournament, Top 10 World Ranking, NSW Talent Squad Selection, CHS Australian All Schools Selection as #1, Australian Junior Champion Winner, NSW Team won Australian Junior Teams, Parkes High 3rd in NSW CHS, Cowra Mens Open Winner and the British Junior Open Squad Selection.

Ange Clarke Announced Forbes Australia Day Ambassador

January 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Ange Clarke, left, with her son Will, second from the right, former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, right, and artist Ben Quilty, second from left.

Forbes Shire Council is excited to announce advocate for inclusion and Where There’s a Will Founder and CEO, Ms Ange Clarke, as its 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Clarke will take part in Forbes Shire Council’s official Australia Day proceedings at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Saturday 25 January, and the Community Breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 26 January.

Ms Clarke’s son, Will, lives with autism, and during his childhood he often struggled to be included in activities most children would fit into easily.

Determined to break the stigma around people with disabilities and be a champion for inclusion, Ms Clarke created Where There’s a Will in his name – a business that re-purposes donated cricket bats into works of art and symbols for inclusion and kindness. It has been so successful some bats now appear at celebrity’s homes in Hollywood and Australia House in London.

Ms Clarke is no stranger to Forbes, having grown up in nearby Orange. She said “I’m very keen to share my story and passions with the Forbes community and I can’t wait to get involved in the events over the weekend to celebrate Australia Day.”

“It’s an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador. You get the privilege of meeting inspiring people who have achieved great things in their community and inspired others around them to be better.”

The Australia Day Community Breakfast will run from 8am – 10am at Lions Park.

Snippets…

January 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Cr Miller would like to reassure the community, Forbes will remain her top priority, and her new position will benefit the shire.

Forbes Shire Council: Congratulations to Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, who recently became the new President of Local Government NSW. LGNSW is the peak body representing and advocating for local councils across NSW. She will remain in the role until the next LGNSW general election in November 2025.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Save the date for Saturday 6 September. Excitement is brewing in Trundle, and the fantastic committee is gearing up to deliver the ultimate Trundle Bush Tucker Day experience, with traditional bush games, kid’s entertainment, and incredible artists to entertain crowds throughout the day – there is something for everyone!

Inland Rail Update: We’re making good progress in Forbes. Inland Rail contractor, Martinus Rail, have been working on important upgrades for the Lachlan River Bridge.

Work has involved replacing the existing bracing and installing strengthening plates, to ensure the bridge will be ready to handle the increased loads of double-stacked freight trains. Stay up to date with work happening across Stockinbingal to Parkes here: https://inlandrail.info/3Wm0wvq

Parkes Shire Libraries: Get your tickets now! This workshop is going to be fun and is one not to be missed. Inspired by the art of Sheila Hicks, Deb Jones and Helen Standen will guide you to make some beautiful pods from yarn and other recycled fabrics. You will also have the opportunity to submit your pod in the Fibre Arts Exhibition, as part of a collaborative, community installation. For tickets to all Fibre Arts workshops, click here: https://collections.humanitix.com/fibre-arts-workshops

Forbes TAFE Campus: Begin your path into engineering and manufacturing and gain the skills in welding by enrolling in MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (Welding). This exciting new night course begins 12 February at TAFE NSW Forbes Campus and will run every Wednesdas from 6pm-10pm for 12 months. This course is eligible for the feefree TAFE initiative (conditions apply). For more information Contact Forbes TAFE.

Kids Helpline: Heading back to school can be a tough time for some young people, especially if bullying is a concern – but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with free, confidential counselling, self-help tools, and downloadable resources to support you. Get tips on how to tackle bullying at: https://kidshelpline.info/4jjEkvB

If you need to talk, call the Kids Help Line anytime, for any reason.

Farmers Welcome Plans To Attract More Vets To Regional Nsw

January 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The state’s peak farm body has welcomed a new government initiative to address acute shortages of vets across rural NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, vets, vet nurses, vet technicians and their families are now eligible to receive assistance with sourcing housing, childcare and other services when moving to rural NSW.

NSW Farmers’ Member Dr Robyn Alders AO said news of the initiative had been warmly welcomed by farming communities across the state, as they continued to grapple with critical workforce shortages.

“Farmers know that healthy animals are productive animals and they need to have access to vets if they are to successfully protect animal health on-farm.”

“If we want to build a sustainable veterinary workforce here in rural NSW, then we need a range of solutions that address the complex challenges that have caused this shortage in the first place,” Dr Alders said.

“Globally, governments are supporting a range of initiatives to ensure the availability of appropriate, affordable veterinary services to livestock producers, and it’s critical our government does the same.”

It’s Back To School Time: Remember Road Safety

January 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students in the coming weeks and the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around school zones.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 – 14 years old.

“Please obey the parking signs around schools. They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. The school zone in Bushman Street, Parkes, is operational all day from 8am – 4pm. Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns,” she said.

Child restraint laws require children up to seven years old to be restrained in an approved child restraint. For more information visit www.childcarseats.com.au

Some road safety rules to follow

• Where possible, drop-off and pick-up your children on the school side of the road.

• Make sure children use the footpathside door when getting in and out of a car – this is called the safety door

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted by friends, mobile phones or listening to music through headphones whilst walking.

• Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near traffic.

• Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near traffic.

• Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or Skateboard.

• If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.

“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility – students, teachers,parents, carers and drivers. We all have a part to play” Ms Suitor said.

Subscribe