After more than 100 hours of round-the-clock activity, Inland Rail has completed a gruelling schedule of work which puts the Stockinbingal to Parkes section well on the path towards completion.

Starting last Saturday, 13 September, at 6am and finishing on Thursday 19 Septem­ber, at 10am, teams from Inland Rail and principal contractor Martinus Rail complet­ed work at four key sites during a 100-hour shut down of the Australian Rail Track Cor­poration (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goo­bang Junction.

To get this work finished on time, up to 240 rail workers across the four sites completed shifts which began ahead of the shutdown and finished after the line reopened.

James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The work we have carried out this week can only be done safely when the line is closed.

“Safety is our highest priority and so we make the most of the two available track possessions which take place each year.

“To do that we undertake rigorous and methodical planning, working hand in hand with Martinus Rail, to ensure we complete our work and return the line to the operators on time.

“I would like to thank the communi­ty for their patience and understanding while we carried out these construction tasks.”Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “The successful comple­tion of this super possession is a testament to the dedication and planning of both the Inland Rail and Martinus teams.

“Across multiple locations, from the instal­lation of turnouts to extensive earthworks and track formation reconstruction, every task was executed with safety and efficien­cy as our top priorities.

“We are grateful for the community’s sup­port and patience.

“Martinus remains steadfast in our mis­sion to deliver this landmark project safely, effectively, and with a focus on creating last­ing value for Australia’s future.”

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) is excited to announce the launch of the annual Central West is Best Photography Competition for 2024. With this year’s theme, “Location, Location, Location”, the competition invites photogra­phers of all ages to capture the unique landscapes, landmarks, and hidden gems that showcase the magic of our region as a loca­tion to host an event or film a movie.

The competition is open to all residents of the Central West, with categories for all ages to enter: Open (over 18 years), Junior (un­der 18 years) and Mini (under 10 years).

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together again for this year’s competition,” said Josh Gordon, Director of Regional De­velopment for RDA Central West. “The theme, ‘Location, Loca­tion, Location,’ perfectly highlights the pride we have in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of our region. Whether you’re a sea­soned photographer or just starting out, this competition offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Central West’s diverse and stunning locations.”

Participants are encouraged to submit images that reflect the essence of what makes the Central West a remarkable place to live, work, and explore. From sweeping landscapes to the heart of our local towns, each photo will celebrate the unique character of the area.

Submissions for the 2024 competition are open until 5pm, Oc­tober 20, 2024, and winners in each category will receive exciting prizes, including opportunities for their work to be featured in RDA Central West publications and online channels.

Entrants can submit photographs via https://rdacentralwest.org.au/ Winners to be announced early November.

Parkes Shire Council is excited to announce recipients of the latest round of the Events Financial Assistance Program (EFAP). Fol­lowing a thorough review of eleven applica­tions, Council has allocated $71,775.00 in funding to various community and destina­tion events throughout the shire. Central West Car Club shared their experience ap­plying for funding through the EFAP. “We really appreciate the support from Parkes Shire Council with the Events Financial As­sistance Program. This was the first year we have applied for assistance, and we found the process easy to navigate. We look for­ward to the continuing of the program and hope to benefit further from it in the future”.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions expressed the value of the support.

“The support from Parkes Shire Council has been second to none, helping to ensure the success of the upcoming event. Assistance provided through both in-kind and equip­ment support means we can provide an event for the Parkes community to enjoy on a bigger scale”.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day shared the importance of the funding for their recent event. “Funding was utilised by providing the ability to obtain essential services to ensure our event would run smoothly on the day. We recognise the importance of Trundle Bush Tucker Day to our community and to the Parkes Shire Region by bringing approximately an additional two thousand people into the Shire with a flow on effect to the economy”.

Applications for the Community Event Fund are accepted twice a year, in May and October, while applications for the Destina­tion Event Fund are accepted year-round.

Details and application forms can be found on Parkes Shire Council’s website: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs

On 31st July it was confirmed that Miss Peg had terminal cancer. True to her charitable nature, she wanted to make a final act of kindness to a community that, as she said, had been so kind to her.

As Peg always took pride in her long hair, she decided to put it to some use before it fell out. So, why not have it cut to make a wig for someone who may need one! In doing so, raise some funds to assist the local Parkes ‘CanAssist’ continue their good work supporting those on their journey with cancer.

Peg hoped to raise about $500, but the response was such that she has now raised in excess of $4,500. Contributions, big and small, were made from the local community, and from overseas.

She is overwhelmed by the enormous re­sponse to a simple request and says that it is indicative of the generosity of people, in particular, the local community, to support a worthy organisation, Parkes CanAssist.

Miss Peg, simply says, ‘’Thank you”.

The ‘Act of Kindness’ closes on 30th Sep­tember. You can still make a contribution at https://www.mycause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiser-for-can-assist

Pastures & Grazing NSW has this week launched their new website – www.pgnsw.com.au. Combined with this launch is the reintroduction of their newsletter.

The new website has retained the exten­sive content from the old website, but in­cludes two additional features for members ‘Ask an Expert’ and an area for members to share their ’Success Stories’.

If you’ve got a burning question about grassland farming, use the ‘Ask an Expert’ contact form, and you’ll hear back from one of our Board members or a suitable indus­try professional within our network with the answer.

Sharing your ’Success Stories’ is similar to a member’s blog, where you can let other members know of any options or practices you used with success, or what you found is best to avoid.

The newsletter has been rebranded to our new identity but still carries the usual arti­cles on research, farmer success stories, in­formation from pasture updates and accom­panying photos. You may even have a story you’d like to submit to our editor, Jonathan McLachlan at editor@pgnsw.com.au.

To receive an email copy of the newslet­ter, simply visit the new website www.pgn­sw.com.au to subscribe, or email our Exec­utive Officer at admin@pgnsw.com.au who will be pleased to add you to the mailing list.