What do you do with the excess fruit from your trees? This Parkes resident is kindly sharing mandarins along a popular walking path, even providing bags.

Pink Up

Parkes Services Club has turned PINK for October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and raising funds for the McGrath Foundation. You still have time to buy tickets for the Pink Raffle and stand a chance to win some amazing prizes. Winners will be drawn on Monday, 1st November at 12pm.

BreastScreen NSW Resumes

Screen NSW has recommenced operations after the service was paused in response to the risk posed by the COVID-19 Delta strain and a need to redeploy staff to support the pandemic response. Breast-Screen NSW will be contacting women who had their appointments cancelled. The service will be back at Tottenham, Tullamore and Trundle from Saturday, 30th October. All clients are required to wear a surgical mask to their appointment.

Online Annual Public Meeting

The Annual Public Meeting of the Western NSW Local Health District Board will be held on Wednesday, 3rd November at 1pm. The meeting will include presentations from the Board Chair and Chief Executive, and will give communities across the Local Health District an opportunity to hear of achievements during 2020 and 2021, and the strategic goals for the next 12 months. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the meeting, which will close at 2pm. To register to attend visit: https://bit.ly/RegisterAnnualPublicMeeting

Seeking Operator For Gallery Café

A contemporary food and beverage enterprise with flair, creativity and imagination that meets the demand for quality regional cuisine in the Forbes Shire area. That’s the Forbes Arts Society’s vision for the café to be located within the new Forbes Cultural and Arts Centre at 110 Lachlan Street. With construction set to commence in the coming months, the former Forbes Ambulance Station will soon be transformed into a vibrant, civic hub. A space that encourages locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture as well as meet, gather and connect with one another. The Centre is scheduled for completion in late 2022. The café will have seating for 25 people inside, and the outdoor courtyard will seat up to 50 people. To obtain an Expression of Interest package or to find out more, please contact forbesartss@gmail.com. Submissions close 5pm, Friday, 29th October.

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) has welcomed Wayne Sunderland as CEO. Wayne has a strong background in business and leadership. He is pictured with Ruth Fagan, Committee Chair.

Two mobile vaccination vans, dubbed Spike and Jabba, will visit some of the Western NSW Local Health District’s smallest communities in the coming weeks.

‘Spike’ and ‘Jabba’

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination effort by introducing two mobile vaccination vans, which will visit some of the district’s smallest communities in the coming weeks. The two vans, dubbed ‘Spike’ and ‘Jabba’ will offer first and second doses of Pfizer to anyone from the age of 12 and above. Jabba and Spike’s full schedules are being finalised and will be released on the WNSWLHD website and social media platforms. For more information on COVID-19 vaccination visit: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

Flyovers

As part of a program covering more than 28,000 km of powerlines, aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology will capture images to update the ‘digital twin’ of Essential Energy’s powerlines and power poles in Parkes and surrounding area. The flyovers will update the organisation’s three-dimensional digital network where hundreds of power poles and powerlines were replaced following the devasting fires of 2019 and flooding to complete the digital model. A fixed wing plane will be used to gather the digital data throughout the local government areas of the Central West Region area in early November. Follow Essential Energy on Facebook and Twitter for updates on aerial patrols or visit essentialenergy.com.au/aerial for further information.

Dine and discover again

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW says the extension of the popular ‘Dine and Discover’ program will boost the recovery of the hospitality industry as it emerges from lockdown. Premier Domi-nic Perrottet announced a further two $25 vouchers would be available to citizens from December, while businesses could apply for $5,000 grants to make their dining venue more ‘al fresco’ friendly.

Vital Funding For Regional Arts

Regional Arts NSW is thrilled with the recent announcement of $3.4 million in funding from the NSW Government for the Regional Arts Network. Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs) across the state will now receive $200,000 per annum each for 2021/22. For more information about Regional Arts NSW, visit www.regionalartsnsw.com.au

Public Servants Help With Harvest

More than 4,500 staff from the Department of Regional NSW will be able to access five days’ special leave to assist farmers for an expected bumper harvest season. There is no cost to farmers getting help from departmental volunteers, as staff will be paid at their standard leave rate by the Department.

Light Steel Structures Manager Daniel Relyea has converted the old timber mill in Eugowra into a steel fabrication facility.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall with a trout at Malpas Dam southeast of Guyra.

No Trout About It

The NSW trout fishing season started on Saturday, 2nd October with expectations it will be the best in years. “Rain over the key trout spawning period in late autumn and early winter has hopefully resulted in good natural recruitment, which also bodes well for the next few seasons,” said Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall. He said there were many popular trout fishing locations across NSW, including a range of productive streams in the New England area, the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst. “It is important all anglers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, and that anglers are aware of the rules associated with recreational fishing, particularly during times of COVID. For more information visit the Marine Area Command – NSW Police Force page or www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/home/covid-19.

RASF Grants

The Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) is offering up to $25,000 in grants for projects that can provide long-term social or economic benefits to regional areas in NSW. Applicants must identify a need within the community and partner with a local community organisation to be eligible, before creating a clear plan that outlines how they intend to complete the project. Previous projects range from rebuilding areas of showgrounds impacted by bushfires to local education workshops and social programs that give back to the community. Applications for the 2022 RASF Community Futures Grant Program close on Friday, 31st December 2021. Visit rasf.org.au to find out more and apply.

High Value Conservation Areas

The NSW Government has opened nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across the state. “Local communities or private land-holders can now conserve areas that would otherwise not be captured or recognised through any other legal instrument, such as in National Parks,” said Environment Minister Matt Kean. Once identified, AOBVs are an ‘automatic priority’ for investment by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), meaning landholders can access funds to manage the land for conservation. Identified by rigorous scientific assessment, AOBVs are designed to conserve high value conservation sites, threatened species or critical habitats. This includes climate refugia, migratory pathways or areas with a high variety of biodiversity values.

As the weather warms up, bearded dragons (pictured) and blue tongue lizards have been spotted around Parkes.

A new addition at the Parkes Motor Museum is this 1916 Dodge Bros Touring. It is the same as the very first car built by the Dodge brothers in 1914. This one was origi-nally built in Detroit and brought from America as deck cargo during the Great War, and sold by Dalgetys. It was later converted into a utility (a common practice during petrol rationing, as commercial vehicles were entitled to more petrol coupons than passenger vehicles) and pur-chased as a wreck from Dungog, NSW and restored to its original condition. The distinctive “Cathedral Lights” pattern windows were replicated by the owner, following the original measurements. The Parkes Motor Museum is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm.

Call For Visual Artists

Arts OutWest is offering a unique opportunity for 15 regional visual artists to create artworks in response to locally written and recorded music. The challenge to artists is to “Show me what it feels like… While the World Waits”, responding to the album While the World Waits that was commissioned by Arts OutWest in response to the impacts of Covid-19. The selected artists will have three months to produce work which will become the While the World Waits touring exhibition, launching in February 2022 and travelling to multiple locations across the region. Arts OutWest is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from emerging and established visual artists living and working across the local government areas of Parkes, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon, Orange and Weddin. Selected artists will receive a payment of $500 to assist with materials and/or production costs. Interested artists can listen to some of the tracks via the artsoutwest.org.au website. Applications are due on 15th October. For more information visit artsoutwest.org.au or call 6338 4657.

Big Win For Regional Teachers

Teachers and students at schools across regional NSW will benefit from a complete overhaul of how the government attracts and retains teachers in the bush. The NSW Government has committed $15 million to action initiatives in response to the review, including: Increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to $20,000, making schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the State more attractive for prospective employees; doubling the number of teach rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022; expanding eligibility so temporary teachers can receive incentives; and working with the Teacher Housing Authority NSW to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.

Recycling solution for bubble wrap. Take it to the new CanAssist shop at 33 Court Street and save more plastic from going to landfill.

World’s Biggest Garage Sale

Started from a neighbourhood garage sale in 2013, the World’s Biggest Garage Sale (WBGS) is now revolutionising how Australians engage with dormant goods. Australian homes currently have $43 billion of under-utilised goods at risk of ending up in landfills. WBGS is solving this issue through the activation of dormant goods for good and building a truly circular economy. By empowering Australians to reduce, reuse, recycle and repurpose, the World’s Biggest Garage Sale helps people to see the beauty in re-loved or ‘second life’ goods. Its online store and events provide community members with alternate ways to source and purchase high-quality products (such as clothing, antiques, furniture and white goods) at prices that are affordable, paving the way for thousands of Australians to save money, time and the planet.

National Landcare Program

Review of the National Landcare Program is open for public consultation until 15th October. Interested parties are invited to provide feedback as part of its second five-year review. Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The National Landcare Program has been pivotal in improving how farmers and other land managers look after their land, and this review provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to tell us what works, what doesn’t and where it can be improved.” A terms of reference for the review, along with information on how to get involved, is available at www.nrm.gov.au/national-landcare-program.

Royal Far West Receives Gift

Royal Far West announced the receipt of a gift of more than $650,000 from The James G. Boswell Foundation, following the sale of the Australian farming and cotton operations known as Auscott Limited. Jacqueline Emery, CEO of Royal Far West, said: “We are honoured to be selected for this incredible donation and with the gift being unrestricted, it means we will be able to use it where we see the most need. After some of the most challenging times for Australian country families, this wonderful gesture by The James G. Boswell Foundation will give hundreds of country kids the chance to thrive.”

New Website For School Holidays

Fam-ilies across NSW can enjoy a new website – Family Project – that provides fun COVID safe ideas for families to connect including rock art, backyard movies, building herb gardens, creating chalk art and meditation. The safe online portal provides a new project daily at familyproject.org.au

What a difference a week makes – 32 bowlers were back at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club on Sunday after-noon to welcome the end of lockdown! (Photo: PBSC)

Kind and considerate community – with so many people out and about walking their dogs, this resident has placed some water at the front of their house for passers-by.

Return Of Students

As students and staff are preparing for a return to face-to-face learning in NSW public schools next month, the NSW Government is ensuring that all schools are safe, clean and secure. The Department of Education is carrying out a systematic review of all learning spaces, including libraries and halls, to ensure all schools continue to operate in the safest ways possible. The review will focus on ventilation in classrooms and also provide support to schools to adapt lessons to make full use of school facilities including outdoor learning areas. This mammoth task includes 2,200 schools in the public system. “The health of students and staff has always been our priority and parents should feel confident their child’s school is well equipped to keep them as safe as possible,” said Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell.

2021 HSC Enrolment Snapshot

There are 68,710 students working towards the 2021 Higher School Certificate. Most of this year’s cohort started Kindergarten in 2009 and will finish their 13-year schooling career in the next few weeks, before exams begin on 9th November and ending on 3rd December. Enrolment this year is consistent with previous years, with Mathematics, Biology and Business Studies attracting the largest number of students for nine years running. There are 898 sets of twins and 15 sets of triplets and quadruplets spread across NSW cities and regions. “The entire NSW community is behind you as you prepare for your final exams. It is not too late to ask for help, either for your study preparations or for your personal wellbeing,” said Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell.

Creatability Internship Program

The NSW Government’s Createability Internship Program for NSW artists and practitioners with disability is calling for applicants for 2021/2022. Arts OutWest has been approved as a potential host organisation for this program. The Createability Internship Program provides customised training for up to 10 participants with disability, followed by paid internships in major NSW organisations across the arts, screen and cultural sectors. Arts OutWest are open to creating a program of experiences to fit the intern, which could include: general administration, graphic design, marketing and communications, exhibition assistance, programming, production management, research and events. Applications open Monday, 20th September and close at 5pm on Monday, 18th October. Guidelines are available on the artsoutwest.org.au website.

Congratulations to Parkes Services Club on winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping Competition. Here is Meg Hunter (right) accepting the winner’s television from Ian Westcott of Betta Home Living who sponsored the prize.

Megan Rutherford with this image called Shearing Time was a winner in last year’s RDA Central West Photography Competition, which is now open to all ages and levels.

Central West Photography Competition: ‘There’s no place like home’ is this year’s theme for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. Applicants are encouraged to capture the essence of their hometown. Chair of RDA Central West, Ruth Fagan, said: “We’ve all spent a lot of time at home due to COVID-19 but I think it has led to a deeper appreciation for the Central West. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and celebrating our region!” Entry is free and open to all ages and photographic abilities. Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 24th September. More information available at www.rdacentralwest.org.au. Any questions call 6369 1600 or email admin@rdacentralwest.org.au

Platypus Returns: After an absence of over half a century, the iconic platypus is set to make its return to The Royal National Park just south of Sydney. The platypus is seen nowhere else on the planet, and like so many other native species, its future is uncertain. A partnership between UNSW, the World Wild Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF), Taronga Conservation Society Australia and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will ensure the platypus’ future. There have been no recorded sightings of platypus in the park since the 1970s. This project will translocate an initial group of 10 platypus, a mixture of males and females, in the first half of 2022. Fitted with acoustic tags researchers will be able to track their progress and breeding for up to two years.

Road Trains Through Parkes: Road train operators can now access the entire length of the Newell Highway, including through Parkes. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said providing end-to-end access for all eligible vehicles up to 36.5m long and Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 3 vehicles on the Newell was a huge win for the freight industry. Gazetted access will now be available to all eligible vehicles along more than 1,000 kilometres of highway. “Parkes was the last section of the Newell where road trains were restricted, but the trials we did with road trains to move fodder through drought and last year’s harvest has guided this change. These higher productivity vehicles are able to move as much as 63% more freight per trip than a 26m B-Double heavy vehicle, which means less trucks on our roads, greater efficiency and reduced costs.”

Spring started off with some very heavy rain last weekend in Parkes, while flood warnings were issued for several places in the region.

Did you know Parkes has an NRMA electric vehicle fast charger? It is located in the M & D carpark, accessible via Bogan Street.

Parkes Day VIEW Club: Due to the COV-ID-19 lockdown the Club had to cancel its meeting on 8th September. Depending on future restrictions, the meetings for the rest of the year may also be cancelled.

Contract awarded for Parkes Bypass: Major construction is set to start on the Parkes Bypass later this year after the announcement that Georgiou Group Pty Ltd will carry out the Australian and NSW Government’s $187.2 million project, following a competitive tender process. The 10.5km bypass is projected to remove more than 1,200 heavy vehicles and other through traffic from the centre of Parkes every day, increasing safety for both commuters and pedestrians.

COVID-19 Check-In Card: Service NSW is offering a personalised “check-in card” to anyone who does not have a smart phone. The card is used to check in when entering a shop or business. You can register for a “check-in card” for yourself or an elderly relative by calling 13 77 88 or by visiting the Service NSW website.

More Care For People With Disability: A NSW Government initiative aims to accelerate worker recruitment and enhance on-the-job training and support with up to 2,500 new workers to be upskilled through the first phase of More Jobs More Care. The success of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has driven immense growth in the disability care sector across our state, resulting in enormous demand for workers. The first phase of the $17 million program will focus on regional areas and will support service providers to ramp up recruitment, training and on-the-job support.

2022 Rural Women’s Award: Nominations for the 2022 Rural Women’s Award is now open. Previous winners and finalists have gone on to further their vision and made wonderful contributions to primary industries and rural communities. Nominations close on 8th October. Applications and further information can be found at rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

‘Let’s Do This’ Campaign: The NSW Government has launched the next phase of its statewide COVID-19 advertising campaign aimed at encouraging people across NSW to get vaccinated. The ‘Let’s Do This’ campaign will include metropolitan and regional television and newspapers, as well as radio, digital, social media and out of home advertising across NSW with material translated into 19 languages and adapted for Aboriginal media channels. To make a COVID-19 vaccination booking go to www.nsw.gov.au

The Visit Parkes website has a list of all the take away options available in Parkes with information on who delivers and more.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP compiled a comprehensive mental health directory specifically developed for residents of his electorate.https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Health Of Knowledge: Passionate mental health advocate and Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP, unveiled a comprehensive mental health directory this week. It will be mailed to each household across the electorate in the coming weeks. “On top of drought, flood, bushfire and mouse plague, COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on mental health in our community.” Phil compiled a comprehensive directory of the various service providers, charitable organisations, not-for-profits and community groups in a convenient booklet. It has been specifically developed for the residents of the Orange electorate to erase some of the confusion by providing a map in their hands to better navigate the many pathways to access appropriate mental health services and support.

Native Sportfish Season Re-Opens: The Australian Bass and Estuary Perch season opens on Wednesday, 1st September. Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the annual four-month fishing closure from May to August had been in place in all NSW rivers and estuaries to protect these species when they form schools and migrate over late autumn and early winter to trigger spawning. A total bag limit of two Australian Bass or Estuary Perch per person or a combination of both species with a possession limit of four is in place. When fishing in rivers, only one fish is permitted to be over 35cm in length. Fisheries officers will monitor compliance to protect the health of sport fishery. Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found on the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. For the latest COVID-19 rules and restrictions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Free Training During Lockdown: The NSW Government has announced an additional 3,000 training places for people across NSW to skill up at home during lockdown. An extra 60 short courses are now on offer to study for free including business skills, mental health, marketing, finance and IT skillsets. The courses are an expansion of the 10 free skillsets recently announced by TAFE NSW. The free courses are available to anyone across the State who is unable to work due to public health orders. Training will be funded through the JobTrainer program, which has already seen more than 120,000 people in NSW skill up since it was announced in October last year. For more information and to see full eligibility, visit: https://bit.ly/37DYSvq

The weather changed dramatically on Monday after some beautiful Spring temperatures over the weekend. The temperature dropped and heavy rain fell overnight with some residents recording over 50mm.