The NSW Opposition is calling on the State and Federal Labor Governments to ensure regional communities won’t be cut off after REX Airlines went into administration.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it’s the second regional carrier facing the possibility of collapse, after Bonza sus­pended operations in April.

“This news is very concerning and will have a flow on effect for anyone who lives and works in the bush,” Mr Saunders said.

“Being a regional MP, I’m one of the sev­en million Australians that relies on com­panies like REX to access the services we need.”

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to his federal counterparts and make sure there’s a clear plan to mitigate the impact this will have on our communities.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Dave Layzell said the move could impact connections between the most remote parts of NSW and the rest of the State.

“Around 2.5 million people fly with REX every year,for work trips, to see loved ones or tgo on holidays,” Mr Layzell said.

“It’s also played a role in freight and the aerial transport of medical personnel and patients.”

Matilda and Bailey all set up selling their bracelets.

Parkes Can Assist has received a donation of $379 from two young girls, Matilda and Bailey from Trundle. The girls had a twofold plan to honour their Pop and say “thank you” to Can Assist for the financial support their Pop received from Can Assist during his illness. The girls took the initiative to make and sell bracelets to raise the money.

Can Assist are very proud of Matilda and Bailey and thank them for their support of our organisation. We also thank the people of Trundle who supported the girls in purchasing the bracelets. Well done girls.

Fund raising is critical to the success of Can Assist to financially support local people with cancer.The Parkes Branch operates a shop at 33 Court Street that is entirely supported by community do­nations.

Our very generous and supportive communities keep us supplied with a vast array of items needed to run a household including fine china, collectables, jewellery, books, electrical and the best supplier of craft and haberdashery supplies. Household furniture is available at our shop at the showground. Purchasing second-hand items is sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Can Assist has a team of wonderful volunteers who cater and coordinate wakes, run Bingo, street stalls and raffles.

Can Assist couldn’t operate without our fantastic volunteers and all the work they do. We are always looking for volunteers in all our three fund raising areas. A special call out to any men who have some spare time and can volunteer for 4 hours a day one or two per week. Drop into the furniture shed or our shop for more informa­tion. Can Assist opens Tuesday to Friday 9am–1pm, and Saturdays 9am–12.30pm.

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities have under a week to have their say on telecommu­nications issues as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunica­tions Review.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independ­ent Review Committee, has urged peo­ple to spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on Wednesday 31st July at 11:59pm.

People can have their say in a number of ways:

1. Making a submission online, or in writing to: Regional Telecommunications Re­view, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601

2. Completing a short survey which takes 10 minutes.

Previous Reviews have led to policy ini­tiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage; all a ­result of commu­nity feedback.

For information on the Review, making a submission, or completing the survey, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation

Do you know of a community member who deserves recognition and support? If you do, we encourage you to nominate them to win free Jim’s Group services.

Aussies are doing it tough at the moment.

The cost-of-living crisis is hurting a lot of people and yet despite this many people continue to soldier on helping out others across the local community demonstrating incredible kindness, fortitude and selfless­ness.

Jim Penman, founder and head of the nation’s largest franchise group, the Jim’s Group, wants to help our nation’s local he­roes and he has launched a Local Heroes Program to give back to people who are struggling and acknowledge and reward them for their incredible contributions to the community.

The Jim’s Local Heroes Program is an extraordinary initiative that will give away over $100k worth of services this year to struggling Aussies across the country. The program is being delivered nationwide with members of the community invited to nomi­nate a local hero who is doing it tough and deserves recognition and support.

The program officially kicked off in Mel­bourne and is now being rolled out across the entire country. Local heroes will receive any type of Jim’s Group service that they need. Every week, one winner will receive up to $2,000 worth of Jim’s Services. The program is being described as life chang­ing.

“We are proud to help out Aussies in need and we are calling on people to nomi­nate a local hero who deserves a helping hand and would benefit from the donation of Jim’s Group services,” Penman said.

“The Jim’s Group comprises over 50 di­visions including lawn mowing, cleaning, painting, bathroom renovations and plumb­ing, landscaping and much more. With our broad and wonderful range of highly rated services and amazing group of fran­chisees, we are looking forward to helping out Aussies in need.”

The giveaway also includes Jim’s Health­care services which launched this month.

Nominations are now open for the com­munity to nominate via https://jims.net/jimslocalheroes/