Walking and Cycling: The NSW Government will provide more than $1.3 million to local councils to deliver new infrastructure to promote walking and cycling in their communities. NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the new infrastructure would make it easier for the community to get around their local area and provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists to schools and other local facilities. Parkes Shire Council also received a grant of $225,000 to build a 220m shared path alongside both sides of Middleton Street from the corner of Captain Wilson Avenue to Dalton Street. This connection links up existing shared paths and a safe link across Condobolin Road/ Dalton Street, which is the designated heavy vehicle route through Parkes

Tresillian Residential Service: The Mayors of the Central NSW Joint Organisation are throwing their support behind the campaign for the Tresillian Residential Service at the Cowra Hospital, as part of the new upgrade to Cowra Hospital. Tresillian is a long-standing organisation for young families and young children with expert parenting advice. Tresillian began with the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919. With 100 years of invaluable service for young families across NSW, Tresillian has played an important and unique role in the history of the state. Parkes Mayor Parkes Cr Ken Keith said: “Across the region we hear from distressed young mothers having to make the trip to Canberra or Sydney for advice and support with young babies. Cowra is centrally located, and the region believes this is an ideal location for the specialist residential hub.”

Free Cuppa Registrations Open: Local businesses are invited to help tackle driver fatigue by registering to take part in next year’s ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme. The multi award-winning driver fatigue awareness campaign will run from 1st March to 31st May 2021. The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cuppa and to take a break from driving long distances. “In 2021 we expect to see a large increase in road travel as international travel and domestic flights remain heavily restricted or reduced,” said Parkes Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor. “We are launching a new website and trialling a new promotional strategy.” The closing date for registrations is today, 30th October. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364 or email Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Virtual Field Day Success: The recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom, was a sell-out. More than 90 people registered for the event. Attendees included a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event provided information about the current regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural vehicles and combinations on the road. Parkes Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said it was great to see strong numbers as the region was expecting a good harvest for the first time in a number of years. The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Shire Council’s YouTube channel or via this link: https://youtu.be/MIGBLuDVVF0 All attendees received a USB containing all relevant notices for moving agricultural machinery and combinations with other useful information.

Tullamore School Safety Boost: Tullamore Central School is one of 98 schools across the state preparing to welcome a new school crossing supervisor. The new supervisor will monitor children at the crossing on Hinkler Street as they walk to and from school. Recruitment for the position will open shortly. Of the 98 new positions, 38 of them will be in regional schools, including those that haven’t had a crossing supervisor before.

Harvest Ready Road Program: Parkes Shire Council is implementing a Harvest Priority Road Program to ensure the Shire’s rural road network will meet the demands of this year’s harvest season. The Rural Roads Advisory Group (RRAG) resolved to support the program and to redirect gravel re-sheeting funds to the program, along with allocating funds to address other unsealed roads post-harvest. “With what is expected to be a bumper harvest season following the drought, it is more important than ever to provide our transporters and producers safe and efficient road corridors,” said Parkes Mayor Ken Keith. Council’s roads team has commenced in the north west of the shire (near Yethra and Alagala) to ensure roads are in good condition for farmers to get grain to nearby silos. A team will also work in and around Peak Hill, and then work their way towards Trundle, Bogan Gate and the Parkes area to complete priority roads for harvest. Parkes Shire Council is responsible for over 2,000km of sealed and gravel roads.

$1.2 Million For Infrastructure: Parkes Shire Council will receive an extra $1,281,760 under an extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program as part of the 2020 Budget, bringing the total funding to more than $2.6 million. “Local councils understand the immediate needs in their communities which is why this money is so important to support local jobs and local businesses in Parkes and the wider region,” said member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

2020 Vision: Eye checks for children at the age of four years are essential for the early identification and treatment of vision problems and to reduce the likelihood of permanent vision loss. NSW was first to implement universal screening for preschoolers – the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program. Western NSW LHD StEPS Coordinator Sandy Ford said early screening led to optimal vision. “It is critical that this screening is provided to four-year- olds before they start school.” Free screening is available to all four-year-old children. StEPS screeners visit preschools and long day care centres, and children who do not attend centres or are in home care can also access the free service. Find out how by visiting https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/paediatric-services. Families can also ask their GP to test their child’s vision or refer their child to an eye health professional.

Culture Maps Central NSW: An exciting new resource was recently launched by Arts OutWest, in partnership with RDA Central West and the Central NSW Joint Organisation of Councils. As an interactive online map, the culture maps feature 400 pinned places, including museums, galleries and artist studios, heritage sites and trails, places to shop for handmade things, Aboriginal cultural places and experiences, and for the first time – a comprehensive regional map of public art. The maps are themed so you can search by category or location within the Central NSW region that includes the Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin Local Government Areas.

COVID-19 Testing: Book a COVID-19 test if you have, or recently had: fever, short- ness of breath, sore throat, and cough. Contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000.

No Show Scarecrow: Many agricultural shows have been cancelled this year. The Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) is encouraging every show society to create a No Show Scarecrow as a sign of solidarity across NSW for cancelled shows. “Agricultural shows in Australia attract six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 580 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country,” said ASC CEO, Tim Capp.The ASC of NSW has asked all shows to display their No Show Scarecrow throughout the month of October. “Shows are unique reflections of their local community, and we recommend each show society puts a local spin on their No Show Scarecrow to be displayed proudly in a prominent location as a reminder that the show will go on and put a smile on local faces in the process.”

Youth Have Their Say: Young leaders and youth organisations are invited to provide their views by completing a survey ahead of the implementation of the National Youth Policy framework, which will provide a pathway of continued support for young people around Australia. “Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” said Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP. The Youth Taskforce is in the process of developing a whole-of-government approach to supporting young people. The survey can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/the-national-youth-policy-framework#have-your-say

Aussie Backyard Bird Count: BirdLife Australia are calling all Australians to take part in their Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 19-25th October – the nation’s largest conservation event. Following a devastating year so far – with the Black Summer fires and COVID-19 pandemic – this count is a chance for all Aussies to take a break, connect with nature and do something peaceful in your own backyard. Studies estimate that at least 180 million birds were wiped out by the destructive bushfires, but a significant number of wild birds sought refuge in gardens and parks. Data from the Bird Count will help BirdLife Australia track how bird populations are faring across the country. The Aussie Bird Count app allows you to take part anywhere – not just backyards, but in local parks, gardens, schoolyards, bushland or beaches. To register and find out more, visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

Double Demerits: Double demerits will be in place from today, Friday, 2nd October until Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Airbag Check: Car manufacturers are urging regional and rural Australians to immediately check their vehicles to determine if they are affected by the Takata airbag recall. A wide range of passenger cars, light trucks and vans are affected by the recall. There are currently more than 150,000 vehicles still requiring faulty airbags to be replaced. A faulty Takata airbag can kill or seriously injure any occupant of the vehicle regardless of whether they are a driver or passenger. You can check the recall status of your vehicles by going to www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au or by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224). A check is quick and repairs are free.

Free Remembrance Day Resources: Schools and community groups in the Central West are receiving free resources to help them commemorate Remembrance Day 2020 on 11th November. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The mail-out to schools includes posters, educational activities and other great resources that tell the story of Australia’s wartime history. Mail out resources are available for free download on the Anzac Portal or by emailing education@dva.gov.au

Funding For Veterans’ Health Week: Funding is available for Central West ex- service organisations and other community groups to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week from 24th October to 1st November. Funding of $720 is available for a creative social activity, within local restrictions. The funding would help veterans stay socially connected with their community through innovative event ideas such as meditation or yoga sessions, local catch-ups and creative workshops, all in-person or virtually. For more information on Veterans’ Health Week and the funding available, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website. Call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au Applications close 9th October.

Double Demerits: With school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place over the October long weekend for four days commencing on Friday, 2nd October and ending on Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said there would be more police on the road which meant a greater chance of drivers being caught if they were doing the wrong thing. “With alcohol, seatbelts and speeding being the biggest factors in serious injury and fatal crashes this year in the Central West, my staff and I will be targeting these offences. We will take your licence for drink driving and the higher speeding offences, no question,” Sergeant Ling said.

Keep COVID-19 safe: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged organisers of community events to be aware of their COVID-19 responsibilities and to have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place. Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said: “Despite several months with no active cases, the threat of a confirmed case is ever present. There may be people in our communities or visiting our communities that have returned from areas with confirmed cases. We also have many vulnerable people living in our communities that we need to be extra considerate of.” She said complying with the Public Health Orders was up to each individual, business and event organiser, and reminded people that fines could be issued for a breach of the Public Health Orders. For more information on COVID Safe Business Plans go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Deductible Gift Status: Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been granted access to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Federal Government. This means you can claim an income tax deduction when donating $2 or more to your local shed, provided they register with the Australian Tax Office for this status. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said: “I have been to many sheds around the Riverina and Central West and I am always impressed by the fantastic work they do for our communities. They are not only great organisations working hard for our cities, towns and villages, they also are places where people go for friendship and support,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.