Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council has been named a finalist in the 2026 Fleet News Group Fleet of the Year Award, recognising the innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement happening right here in our Shire. Our Fleet team works behind the scenes to keep Council moving – maintaining the vehicles, plant and equipment that help us look after roads, parks, waste services, water and sewer infrastructure, and much more. Vote for Parkes Shire Council: bit.ly/VotePSCFleet

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Make sure to be prepared with cash before arriving in Trundle, as there is one ATM at the Trundle Services & Citizens Club and there will be limited card use at the bar at Trundle Bush Tucker Day. Most vendors will have their own eftpos machine but some may be cash only. It is always handy to bring some cash so you don’t miss out on anything.

TAFE NSW Forbes: Are you interested to learn about the basics of studying Beauty? TAFE NSW Forbes will be running an introductory course starting in October 2026. Mondays, 9am-3.30pm. Learners cannot be enrolled in school. Places are limited so secure your spot now: https://online-enrolments.oneebs.tafensw.edu.au/Enrol/Process/GetStarted/165/12370432

TAFE NSW Parkes: Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your artistic skills, the Statement of Attainment in Studio Practice – Drawing can help bring your creative ideas to life through. Virtual classroom – off campus, Tuesdays: 25 August 2026 to 25 June 2027. For more info or to enrol: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/art-and-design/courses/statement-of-attainment-in-studio-practice-drawing–900-82856

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: Whether fundraising for causes at a local level or lobbying governments on a range of important issues at state level, CWA membership helps make a difference. Join in August to receive two months bonus membership. Find out more at https://cwaofnsw.org.au/Web/Web/Membership/Membership.aspx

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Two months to go until the National BBQ Championships Forbes. From sizzling grills to slow-smoked perfection, the countdown is officially on. Nominate your team today at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/october-2026/national-bbq-championships-forbes Interested in sponsoring the event? Email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6850 2300.

Parkes Shire Council: Does your sporting club need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? Funding of up to $3,000 is available to help eligible sporting organisations purchase an approved AED package. The Parkes Shire Council Grants Team is ready to help with your application. Contact them at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au. You can check eligibility requirements before applying here: https://bit.ly/4g6pbNB

Central West Police District: Due to recent changes in the firearms legislation, you will need to have passed a safe storage inspection in the last 10 years prior to applying for a permit to acquire (PTA). If you are in the Central West area and want to book a safe storage inspection, email your name, address, firearms licence number and phone number to CWPDFIREARMSENQ@police.nsw.gov.au or visit www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms

Australian Cancer Research Founda tion: Stand with the brave this September for the Australia Cancer Research Foundation. Shave, cut or colour your hair and help raise vital funds for cancer research that saves lives. Do it for Australians affected by cancer – their bravery is worth celebrating. Sign up at https://fundraise.acrf.com.au/event/brave-shave-2026

Gotcha4Life: Rally your crew and join the 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness on 12–13 September 2026. Whether you’re rowing from your gym, sporting club, school or workplace, this is a challenge anyone can take on. Show up for your mates. Strengthen your community. Champion mental fitness. Sign up now: 24hourrow.com.au

NSW Government: Have an old, inefficient top-loading washing machine? Eligible households can swap their top-loader for a water and energy efficient model for just $250, including delivery, installation and a 2-year warranty. It can help save around $300 each year on water, energy and detergent, plus roughly 20,000 litres of water. Check your eligibility and apply: water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/washing-machines

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes residents can now enjoy a simpler, more user-friendly way to manage waste and recycling! Council is transitioning to a new platform, LoopedIn Councils. What you need to do: Download the new LoopedIn Councils app and delete the old iRecycle Waste App from your device. Stay up to date with Collection schedules, Bin reminders and Recycling tips and guidance.

Parkes Crop Swap: Parkes Crop Swap is on again this Saturday 8 August from 9am – 11am. You can swap produce, seedlings, cuttings – anything related to the love of being sustainable and sharing in the garden. Access via 33A Albert St, drive up the driveway and park (limited spaces). You can also park up at the Memorial Hill carpark and wander down through the gate. Please like Parkes Community Arts Facebook page to keep up to date.

Australian Bureau of Statistics: Time to lock-in and log in, because Tuesday 11 August is Census night. You can fill out your Census form as soon as you receive your letter with instructions. For more information, go to census.abs.gov.au/help Grant Opportunity: Funding is now available to help deliver projects that strengthen, support and prepare local communities across NSW. Grants of $50,000 to $300,000 are available under four funding categories: Arts & Culture, Community Infrastructure, Disaster Readiness and Sport & Recreation. Applications close 17 August 2026. Learn more and apply: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrantscategory-3-fund

Bogan Gate Landfill Is Now Closed: The Bogan Gate Landfill closed as of Thursday, 30 July 2026, in preparation for the construction of the new Bogan Gate Transfer Station. In the meantime, residents can access the Parkes Waste Facility, which is open: Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am to 4pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm. For further information, please contact Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team. For more information; https://bit.ly/4cc592O

Steptember Australia: Walk, run, dance or skip your way through Steptember and help babies with cerebral palsy take their first steps. Take on 10,000 steps a day throughout September. Join the FREE fitness challenge today https://www.steptember.org.au

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Family recipe? Secret ingredient? Signature dish? The National Bush Cook Off is your chance to put it to the test. Whether you’re entering the Junior, Entrée, Main or Dessert category, you’ll be competing for great prizes and the chance to be recognised on stage at the Trundle Bush Tucker Day. Free to enter. Entries accepted from 12:30pm–2:30pm at the Ag N Vet Judges Tent. Start planning your winning dish now. Book your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4gH9myI

Household Chemical Clean Out: Got old chemicals gathering dust in the shed or garage? Now is your chance to get rid of them for free. Household Chemical Cleanout (HCC) events are rolling out giving you a safe, free and easy way to dispose of the nasty stuff you can’t put in your regular bin.

Drop off items like: solvents and household cleaners, floor care products, ammonia based cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, poisons, pool chemicals, hobby chemicals, motor fuels, fluorescent globes and tubes, acids and alkalis, smoke detectors, paint and paint-related products, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, car and household batteries and motor oils and cooking oils. Drop off at Bogan Gate Waste Depot Condobolin Road on Friday 11 September from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Visit Parkes Region: Experience the magic of the night sky with Stargazing at Bogan Gate. Don’t miss this free event hosted by Inland Astro-Trail and Bogan Gate Primary School. Discover the wonders above as you enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars in the charming village of Bogan Gate. On Thursday 13 August 6pm – 9pm at Bogan Gate RV Park in Hutton Street.

Find all the event details on the Visit Parkes What’s On Calendar – bit.ly/468noDX

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera tions: Could your community group do more with a little extra funding? Northparkes Operations is proud to support projects that make a real difference, through the Northparkes Community Investment Program. Whether you’re planning a new initiative, upgrading equipment, delivering a community event or creating opportunities for local people. Applications close 30 October 2026. For information https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DDR2TN2

Street Dreams Returns: Street Dreams will light up Forbes on Friday 25 September 2026. From 5pm – 9pm, Victoria Park will be transformed into a flowing, luminous underwater realm – inviting the community to dive into an enchanting water-themed celebration of art, light and performance.

Inspired by oceans, rivers and the movement of water, Street Dreams 2026 will unleash a sensory experience filled with shimmering lights, immersive soundscapes, aquatic-inspired art installations, live performances and vivid colour. Free to attend, the 2026 Street Dreams Festival is the second year of a three-year series that aims to strengthen social connection, support local creatives, and enhance the vibrancy of the Forbes community through inclusive, accessible arts programming.

Parkes Elvis Festival: It takes an amazing team to bring the Parkes Elvis Festival to life, and our volunteers are at the heart of it all. Pictured together are just some of our incredible volunteers hard at work during one of our Festival kick-off meetings earlier this week. Thank you for your time, passion, and commitment.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Good food. Great music. Familiar faces. New memories. That’s what Trundle Bush Tucker Day is all about. We’re counting down the days until we do it all again on Saturday 5 September. Grab your tickets and join us for a day you’ll be talking about long after it’s over. Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/4gH9myI

R U OK?: Starting the conversation can feel daunting, but research has found that nine in ten people reported feeling cared for, supported and grateful that someone took the time to check in.

Regional Arts NSW: Applications for Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants are open for the 26/27 financial year. Designed to assist with urgent needs that may arise unexpectedly. Individuals can apply for up to $3000 and organisations up to $5000. See regionalartsnsw.com.au/quickresponse-grants for information.

National Tree Day Parkes: Join us on Sunday, 26 July, from 10am–12pm at Akuna Road, near the Parkes Wastewater Treatment Plant, and be part of Australia’s biggest community tree planting event. Register by searching for the Parkes planting site on the National Tree Day website. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and water bottle.

1800RESPECT: Healthy relationships are built on respect, fairness, and consent, not power and coercion. Visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

The NSW Women of the Year: The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate women and girls who inspire us with their actions whether they are groundbreaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models. Nominate now: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards

Philip Donato: Phil Donato MP recently visited the ladies of the local Royal Far West Op Shop. The shop is staffed completely by volunteers – including Molly Neilson who is 94 years young. Molly has been volunteering with Royal Far West for over 60 years, and she will be acknowledged for her amazing contribution in the NSW Parliament later this year.

Parkes Shire Council

Four community projects have been awarded funding to celebrate culture, creativity and heritage across the Parkes Shire. Successful projects include:

• Voices of Wisdom: Peak Hill Elders Project – celebrating the stories of Aboriginal Elders through a photographic exhibition

• ICONIC 75: Marking the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s incredible milestone anniversaries

• Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: A community celebration recognising 50 years of NAIDOC

• Flower Arranging Workshop: Inspiring new skills and participation in the Parkes Show’s Floral Art section.

Visit Parkes Region

Fresh air, fitness and fun! Head to Kelly Reserve or Lions Park in Parkes and make the most of the outdoor exercise equipment.

Free to use, open every day and suitable for all fitness levels.

For more info and other outdoor equipment locations in the region visit: bit.ly/4arHkTa

MS Readathon

Over 37,000 families in Australia are impacted by MS. By joining this free reading challenge, you can build better reading habits with your child, while raising funds to support families. Plus, you recieve a free welcome pack when you register MS Readathon 2026.

Red Nose Australia

Walk or run 3km a day and help save little lives. Every day in Australia, nine babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly. By taking on the Red Set Go challenge, you’re helping fund vital research. Sign up Red Nose Day: Get silly for a serious cause!

National Tree Day Forbes

Roll up your sleeves and make a lasting contribution to the local environment by taking part in a National Tree Day Community Planting Day at Forbes Cemetery on Saturday 25 July from 10am to 12pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided for volunteers following the planting activities. Register to volunteer https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031869

Little Kindy Forbes

The children in Banksia celebrated NAIDOC Week by exploring Indigenous symbols and recreated them through a sensory sand drawing experience, learning how symbols can be used to share stories and represent places. They discussed the significance of traditional face painting and how it is used during cultural ceremonies before participating in their own respectful face painting experience. Children also created braided bracelets using red, black and yellow yarn, strengthening their fine motor skills while recognising the colours of the Aboriginal Flag.

Parkes Community Arts:

Parkes Crop Swap is on again this Saturday 11 July from 9am – 11am. You can swap produce, seedlings, cuttings – anything related to the love of being sustainable and sharing in the garden. There is a donation box if you choose – you’re welcome to take some produce if not swapping or donating. Access via 33A Albert St, drive up the driveway and park. Also you can park up at the Memorial Hill carpark and wander down through the gate. Please like Parkes Community Arts Facebook page to keep up to date with all manner of funky and fabulous things happening in our community.

Parkes Shire Council:

Are you a local not-for-profit or community organisation in the Parkes Shire looking for financial support? Applications are now open for the first round of Parkes Shire Council’s 2026/2027 Community Financial Assistance Grants.

Funding available includes:

General Grants, Rates and Charges Assistance, Leasing and Licensing Assistance.

Applications close: 5:00pm, Monday 28 July 2026. To apply or to view the Community Financial Assistance Policy, visit https://bit.ly/3OYKZhJ

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc:

CWLL is supporting the delivery of another Mental Health First Aid Course at Peak Hill on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August 2026. This is a Free Course thanks to support from Western NSW Local Health District, Primary Health Network, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Landcare NSW. Please make sure you can commit to two full days of training so that the workshop can run with a full cohort. Register at: www.stickytickets.com.au/J88RLT

National BBQ Championships Forbes:

With under 4 months to go, we’ve got 11 teams locked in and ready to roll for the 2026 National BBQ Championships in Forbes. The smoke, the flavour, the competition… it’s all coming back bigger than ever. Being held at Grinsted Oval, Forbes NSW on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2026. Two massive days of BBQ action, packed with passion, skill and seriously good eats. There will be Cash prizes, Bragging rights and BBQ glory on the line. There will be plenty to do so come along for a sizzling weekend of barbequing, live demos, music, market stalls & kids entertainment.

Register here: https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/october-2026/national-bbq-championships-forbes

Forbes Shire Council: Plastic Free July is here. What plastic item will you give up or swap this month? Plastic Free July shares resources and ideas to help individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities re­duce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Learn more about Plastic Free July here and pledge to refuse single-use plas­tics www.plasticfreejuly.org/

Visit Parkes Region: Unfortunately due to the weather Stargazing with Murriyang has been cancelled. But don’t worry, an­other night with the stars is taking place on Wednesday 8 July. Join CWAS at ‘Murri­yang’ CSIRO’s Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish) for an unforgettable evening ex­ploring the night sky on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 from 5:30pm – 8pm at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. This free familyfriendly winter event requires no bookings.

Galari River Arts Forbes Inc: Commu­nity drumming workshops are back. These workshops will get us ready for the River Arts Festival on Saturday, 8 August. Work­shops taking place at the Forbes Music Academy (Riley Street) the cost is free and will be held on Sundays at 2pm, 5 July, 12 July, 26 July and 2 August.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council has secured $231,885 through the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to progress plan­ning for the Harrowvale urban growth area.

With the potential to accommodate around 2,035 future dwellings. Read more: https://bit.ly/4f7QUgr

CanAssist Forbes Branch: As part of the CanAssist family, our branch is powered by local volunteers, donors and support­ers who believe no one should face can­cer alone. Together, we can help people in our community access the practical and fi­nancial support they need throughout their cancer journey. Every dollar raised stays local – Supporting people in our commu­nity when they need it most. Donate to our branch at https://bit.ly/3QgF8I5

Transport for NSW: Need a cheap & reli­able way to get around Parkes? Take the Bus! Western Road Liners provide services weekdays, looping back to the Town Bus Shelter on Church St. Western Road Lin­ers delivers dependable town bus services Parkes NSW locals use every day. The ser­vice runs from early morning to evening on weekdays. Helping you to get to work, the shops, and appointments with ease.

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation: Yoorana Gunya & Binaal Billa invites all community and valued patients to celebrate this year’s NAIDOC theme, “50 Years of Deadly.” We encourage community members to RSVP on 6850 1222 or via email sewb@yoora­nagunya.com.au. Transport also available, please include this in your RSVP Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Aus­tralia: Give up alcohol this July in the fight against prostate cancer. One month with­out alcohol can make a lasting difference for Australian men and their families affect­ed by prostate cancer. 1 in 5 men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer within their lifetime. Join Dry July and help fund support services, awareness and research for prostate cancer Prostate Cancer Foun­dation of Australia

Forbes Children and Youth Hub: Has your child always dreamed of being a drum­mer? Rob Shannon is offering the chance for those aged 8-18 years old to spend a session learning how to find your rhythm.

Being held Monday July 13th with session one from 10:00am – 11:30am and session two from 11:45 – 1:15pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/1992177528088899

Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: The committee are seeking stallholders for their upcoming event on Saturday 19 Sep­tember. If you would like to join at Bush­man’s Hill, please submit your EOI via the following link: https://form.jotform.com/261648811099870

Parkes Shire Library: What’s your fa­vourite doodle? Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 – 50 YEARS DEADLY with Peak Hill Library. Enjoy a hot chocolate and add your favourite doodle to the community canvas using the colours of the Aboriginal and Tor­res Strait Islander flags. Come along on Tuesday July 7th from 10.30am to 12pm and help create something deadly. All ages are welcome.

Winter Fire Safety: As Australians look for ways to manage rising energy costs this winter, homeowners and renters are be­ing encouraged not to cut corners when it comes to fire safety. A simple way to stay on top of smoke alarm maintenance is to remember the Rule of 10:

• Smoke alarms should be less than 10 years old;

• It takes less than 10 seconds to clean them;

• It takes less than 10 seconds to test them.

Taking a few moments to check your smoke alarms today can provide peace of mind and help ensure your household is protected throughout the colder months.

Smoke-Free Sporting Facilities: As the winter sport season is well under way, you may have noticed Smoke-Free signs popping up around our sporting grounds.

These signs are a friendly reminder to ath­letes, volunteers and spectators that our sporting facilities are smoke‑free areas, helping make sport safer, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Plastic Free July: Did you know that more than 1,850 Parkes Shire residents partici­pated in Plastic Free July in 2025? Of those, 371 residents pledged to reduce plastic use and avoid single-use plastics, while 804 people became aware of the issue and made positive changes to their eve­ryday habits. Contributing to an estimated 5.6% behaviour change across our Shire.

Every reusable bag, water bottle and lunch container makes a difference. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped reduce plastic waste in our community.

Frost And Fire Bus Service: Councillor Mattiske is encouraging everyone to make the most of the bus services running to and from Frost and Fire this Saturday. Grab your tickets at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/50065/frost-and-fire. No general parking is available on site, except for lim­ited accessibility parking for permit holders.

Brand Strategy 101: Book your spot at the Brand Strategy 101. A free masterclass de­signed to help small business owners get clear on their brand, create content with confidence and show up online without feeling pushy or overwhelmed. On Tues­day 23 June, 6pm–8:30pm at Club Forbes.

This is a free event. Registration essential: https://events.humanitix.com/branding-101-with-emily-mann

Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants: If you have an idea that could strengthen social connections, improve wellbeing, build local leadership or help our community become more resilient to future droughts, the Re­gional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants could help make it happen. Applications close 30 June, so now is the time to get your submission in. If you need assistance preparing your application, contact the Grants Team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Rising Stars: Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations proudly announced the successful recipi­ents of the latest round of the Evolution Mining Sporting Grants and Rising Star Awards. Pictured below are (back) Cam Moore (Evolution Mining’s Manager Min­ing, Technical Services and Discovery), Mayor Neil Westcott, Daisy Rice, Henry Kross, Cr Louise O’Leary (front) Mason Wild, Emrys Cassidy and Reed Wild.