Parkes Shire Council is encouraging local not-for-profit and community organisations to take advantage of its Community Financial Assistance Grants Program, with the first funding round for 2026/2027 now open.

Applications opened on 1 July 2026 and will close at 5.00pm on Monday, 28 July 2026. The Community Financial Assistance Grants Program provides practical support to local organisations delivering projects, events and services that enhance the wellbeing, vibrancy and connectedness of communities across the Parkes Shire.

The program includes three funding streams:

• General Community Grants of up to $1,000 to assist with a specific project, initiative or community event.

• Rates and Charges Assistance, providing eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups the opportunity to apply for the waiving of Council rates and charges on qualifying properties.

• Leasing and Licensing Assistance, allowing eligible organisations to apply for reduced leasing and licensing fees for Council-owned properties.

Please contact the team on grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au at least two weeks before the closing date.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3OYKZhJ.

For assistance with your application, please contact Veronica Shaw on 02 6861 2333.

Parkes Shire Council is reviewing dog ac­cess at Harrison Park, Woodward Oval and Keast Park in response to ongoing con­cerns about irresponsible dog ownership and uncollected dog waste.

These issues pose serious health and safety risks for the many community mem­bers who use these sporting facilities.

The review will run until 17 May 2026, during which time Council is inviting com­munity feedback to help inform its decision on whether dogs should continue to be per­mitted at these locations or be banned from the sporting fields.

Director Planning & Community Servic­es, Annalise Teale, said “These sporting fields are heavily used by families, children

and sporting groups, and we need to en­sure they remain clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“While we recognise many responsible dog owners, ongoing issues with dog waste and compliance mean we must carefully consider the future of dog access at these sites,” Ms Teale said.

During the review period: Dogs will still be permitted at the sporting fields and ovals but must be always kept on a leash. Own­ers are required to promptly collect and dis­pose of all dog waste. Council Rangers will increase patrols to monitor compliance.

Council encourages all community mem­bers to have their say. Feedback can be provided via https://bit.ly/4mfm0Wn

Parkes Shire Council is inviting local not-forprofit and community-based organisations to apply for funding through Round 2 of the 2025/2026 Community Financial Assistance Program, which opened Sunday, 1 Febru­ary 2026 and closes at 5pm on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Council recognises the important role that cultural, community and sporting organisa­tions play in enhancing the liveability and wellbeing of our Shire. Since the Program’s implementation in 2018, it has provided tar­geted financial support to help these groups deliver services, events and projects that benefit the local community.

Round 2 includes two types of assistance:

• General Financial Assistance: A ‘help­ing hand’ through the provision of funds for a specific purpose or event up to an amount of $1,000.

• Leasing and Licencing: A reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned properties.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said the program reflects Council’s ongoing com­mitment to supporting grassroots organisa­tions that make a real difference locally.

“Our community organisations are the backbone of many of the activities, events and services that bring people together across the Shire,” Mayor Westcott said.

“This program is about backing those groups – whether they’re delivering a local event, supporting participation in sport, or helping cover essential operational costs.”

Mayor Westcott encouraged eligible or­ganisations to apply and take advantage of the opportunity. “Even a small amount of fi­nancial assistance can have a big impact at a local level. We encourage organisations to put forward their applications and let us know how Council can support the work they’re doing in our communities.”

Applications will be assessed by an Eval­uation Panel against the eligibility criteria, with successful applicants required to report back to Council on how the funding was used.

To find out more about the program or to apply, visit: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs

Welcome to the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival! It is a great pleasure to welcome Elvis fans from across Australia and around the world to our vibrant community. Now in its 33rd year, the Festival continues to shine as a premier event on the Australian calendar and is proudly recognised as a NSW Government Foundation Event. Each year, thousands gather in Parkes to celebrate the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.

This year is especially meaningful as we commemorate what would have been Elvis’ 91st birthday. Our 2026 theme, Love Me Tender, inspired by his 1956 film debut and iconic song, sets the tone for a heartfelt celebration of devotion, joy and timeless charm. From western flair and familyfriendly activities to dancing competitions and live entertainment, there is truly something for everyone.

We are delighted to welcome back popular festival favourites, including the Miss Priscilla Dinner, the Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations Street Parade, and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, with the winner earning the chance to compete in Memphis. The Elvis Wall of Fame induction at the Gates of Gracelands will honour Marcia Hines, followed by her spectacular Disco Inferno show.

On behalf of Parkes Shire Council, I sincerely thank our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, staff and community for their passion and support. To our visitors, enjoy the Festival and explore all that the Parkes Shire has to offer.

Enjoy the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival!
Mayor Neil Westcott

Parkes Shire Council has been named the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council at the 2025 National Awards for Local Gov­ernment, in recognition of its innovative approach to fleet optimisation and asset management.

The award, presented at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly Dinner in Canberra on Thursday 26 June, acknowledges Parkes Shire Council’s “Fleet Optimisation and Innovation – A Smarter Approach to Asset Management” project. This is the first time that this award category has been included in the national program.

Parkes Shire Council was selected from a competitive field of 54 projects submit­ted for the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council category.

Michael O’Shannessy, Council’s Fleet and Depot Manager, said the award reflects several years of commitment to transform­ing fleet operations to better serve the or­ganisation and community.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised on a national stage. This project has re­shaped how we manage and maintain Council’s fleet – improving safety, efficiency, and transparency,” Mr O’Shannessy said.

“By building our own system in-house, we’ve not only saved costs but also cre­ated a smart, scalable solution tailored to our needs and future growth.”

Parkes Shire Council developed its own advanced fleet management system using TechnologyOne, integrating real-time data, predictive maintenance strategies, and GPS telematics.

The system provides full oversight of Council’s $18 million fleet and is designed to ensure cost-effective lifecycle manage­ment of all fleet assets, from heavy plant to small equipment.

The innovation has resulted in a shift from reactive to scheduled maintenance, improved asset availability, reduced emis­sions, and enhanced worker safety.

Parkes Shire Council is inviting expressions of interest from community members to join a suite of new strategic advisory committees. 

The committees will provide guidance to Council on a range of issues and opportunities.

Council adopted a new committee structure at its September meeting, comprising six new strategic advisory committees, each of which will include community and industry stakeholders, alongside Councillors as members.

The new committees are: Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee; Community, Liveability and Culture Advisory Committee; Economy, Innovation and Investment Advisory Committee; Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee and Tourism, Destination and Major Events Advisory Committee.

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said the new structure had been developed to support the delivery of the new Parkes Shire Community Strategic Plan, and enabled community members to better contribute to the decision-making process.

“As Councillors, we cannot fulfil our role and obligations without the support or input from community members. We are looking to better engage with our community and receive advice and feedback so that we can better meet the needs of all.

“We’re mindful that everyone is busy, so to ensure the time commitment required to serve on a committee is not unreasonable, we’re expecting each advisory committee will meet four times a year.”

Further information and details on how to submit an expression of interest is available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. 

Expressions of interest close on Friday,11th November. Committee members will be appointed for a two-year term, and will serve in a voluntary capacity.

The community is invited to have their say on the draft Lachlan Regional Water Strategy. The plan aims to deliver a reliable, sustainable and resilient water supply for towns and communities including Forbes, Parkes, Cowra and Young, and the industries that support the region’s economy, over the next two decades and beyond. 

It is the second time the strategy is on public exhibition, and the community can provide feedback on the shortlisted options before 1 November. 

“We worked closely with Aboriginal groups, local governments, residents, businesses, and all stakeholders to understand the Lachlan’s water challenges and needs during the first round of consultation in 2020,” said Kaia Hodge, Executive Director Water Strategy and Policy for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. 

“Their feedback helped refine the strategy and narrow down the options to a shortlist that will best support communities, industry and the environment and deliver a more secure water future for the Lachlan. 

“The Strategy is being developed alongside two major infrastructure business cases in the region, the Wyangala Dam Wall Raising Project and the Belubula Water Security Project. 

Kaia said water planning needed to support all water users, including Aboriginal communities, towns, industries and the environment, especially as we faced a drier and more variable climate and a higher demand on water resources. 

“This is a strategy for the whole Lachlan which is why we want to hear your views to help finalise it.” 

Due to flooding in the area public meetings have been postponed until further notice – visit the website for the most up to date information: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-regional-water-strategy

Parkes Shire Council launched a new customer request system this week to make it easier to access services, report issues and raise requests around the clock.

This means customers will now be able to receive updates about the progress of their requests and easily track their status online in real-time.

“Council’s new online customer request system reflects our vision of becoming a more contemporary, connected and customer-focused organisation, and our commitment to putting our residents at the centre of everything we do,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“The COVID pandemic has prompted businesses to rethink how they deliver services and make it easier to connect with their customers, and local government is no different,” he said.

According to Council’s Director Customer, Corporate Services and Economy Cian Middleton customers will be able to log requests and report issues at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au following the system’s launch on Monday.

“In the last 12 months, Council received on average 351 requests per month through nine different channels. Our new platform aims to streamline the process, making it quicker and easier for residents to report an issue, request a service or information, or provide feedback,” Cian said.

“There are over 150 request options to choose from, so whether you have an issue with a bin, a footpath or you want to report a fallen tree, you are now able to do it online.

“Customers can also attach photos or documents and are able to utilise a mapping tool to pinpoint the exact location of issues requiring attention.

“Those residents who would prefer to speak to one of our staff on the phone or in person can still contact our Customer Service Centre on 6861 2373 or visit us at 2 Cecile Street.”