Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey is urging not-for-profit organisations in the federal electorate of Parkes to apply for the 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round.

Expressions of interest are now open for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 for el­igible not-for-profit organisations to support and increase participation in volunteering.

“Volunteers contribute so much to the Parkes electorate across every aspect of our lives,” Mr Chaffey said. “From sports to emergency services, to events and health support, people in our communities give their time and skills freely.

“These grants can help make a difference to organisations who in turn make a differ­ence in their communities. I encourage eli­gible organisations to reach out to my office for an expression of interest form.”

“Twenty-one organisations in the Parkes electorate benefitted from a total of about $60,000 through the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Round,” Mr Chaffey said.

Applications close 5pm, Friday 27 March, 2026, and the expression of interest form can be found at www.jamiechaffey.com.au, or contact one of the offices of Jamie Chaf­fey MP to find out more or send an email to jamie.chaffey.mp@aph.gov.au

A life-long passion for performing and live entertainment has led Brendan Shipley to his current position as Fes­tival Director of the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival.

At a young age, Brendan was in­spired to join the school choir after first hearing them perform. Years later he attended Campbelltown Performing Arts High School, where he was heav­ily involved with the annual School Spectacular, before moving on to roles with Campbelltown Theatre Group.

His corporate career with Bunnings provided the opportunity to move to the Gold Coast, where Brendan then worked at The Australian Out­back Spectacular. During this time, he also worked across a number of theme parks including Movie World, Sea World, Wet N Wild and Paradise Country, where Brendan’s team put to­gether a Shaun The Sheep character suit show. Brendan even worked on the Gold Coast theatre production of “Wicked” the musical.

Brendan then landed a role with the Bluey and Bingo team, which for the next five years saw him tour around the country and overseas. He has also worked in the role of merchandising coordinator for The Wiggles.

Fast forward to 2025 and Brendan took on the prestigious role of Parkes Elvis Festival Director, saying with the national media coverage the festival has received, “It’s all eyes on us.”

According to Brendan the 2026 event is shaping up to be massive, with sales for shows well ahead of pre­vious years in the weeks leading up to the five day Elvis extravaganza. “The numbers don’t lie,” said Brendan.

We asked Brendan what festival go­ers should be excited for this year, and his first response was “Everything!” He

went on to say, “Marcia Hines, she is coming to be honoured on the Wall of Fame and to perform her Disco Infer­no concert, which was one of the fast­est selling shows we have ever done.

“Joshua and Toki with the Ultimate Tribute Show, the eight feature con­certs at the Parkes Leagues Club, Elvis After Dark, UETA Competition, Elvis Express, Elvis Central for offi­cial merchandise, busking in the main street, the Memphis stage, market talls, Miss Priscilla, Poets Breakfast, Kidszone and the Parade which will kick off at 9am on Saturday in an effort to beat the heat.”

Get ready to shake, rattle, and yee-haw! as dancers aged three to adult bring a bootscootin’, hip-swivellin’ celebration to this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival.

Parkes School of Dance Inc is a commu­nity-run regional dance school established in 2013. Committed to providing ageappropriate dance education in various styles, fostering creativity, and celebrating cultural icons like Elvis Presley through performances at events like the Parkes Elvis Festival is part of its bespoke DNA.

Parkes School of Dance Inc will be per­forming across multiple festival locations, showcasing line dancing, feel-good fam­ily routines, and a whole lot of rhinestonesparked fun. With everyone from tiny tots to dance parents hitting the dance floor, it’s a true all-ages, all-in family shindig.

“Our performers have embraced the country vibes this year — expect plenty of line dancing, classic Elvis charm, and the biggest smiles in town,” says President Catherine McQuie.

“It’s such a joy to bring our community together in a celebration of music, move­ment, and pure festival fun.”

Audiences can catch the dancers throughout the weekend at several festival hotspots, adding colour, movement, and feel-good rhythm wherever they go.

Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan, a country-music lover, or simply chasing a good time, these local dancers are ready to make your festival experience better when you’re dancing.

You can see Parkes School of Dance performing across the Parkes Elvis Fes­tival during the following days and times, Wednesday 7 January 2026: Wall of Fame 9.30am-10am, Friday 9 January 2026: Memphis Stage 9am-9.25am, Saturday 10 January 2026: Street Parade 9am, Cooke Park Main Stage 11.15am-11.30am and the Dance Showcase Cooke Park Main Stage 4pm.

Get involved at Ronald McDonald House Central West – volunteer, donate, become a corporate partner or find out if you or a close friend or relative is eligible to stay with us.

Staying close to treatment when a child is ill or injured is vital for families when they need it most. Our accommodation, programs and services are provided free of charge to the families of sick and injured children, and women experiencing a high risk preg­nancy – helping them when they need it most. We strive to serve more families, better and enable parents and carers to stay close to each other and vital treatment in the Central West.

Our purpose built House is located on the Hospital grounds in Orange and our Hospitality Cart in Dubbo visits families at their child’s bedside in the Paediatric Ward and Special Care Nursery so that they can close and together.

Our families come from across the region so that their children can receive treatment in our major hospitals in the Western Health District in Orange and Dubbo.

We rely on fundraising for 79% percent of our funding to keep the House and our programs available to families when they need it most – caring for a sick or injured child needing treatment in our region.

To find out more about what Ronald McDonal House Charities Central West do, or to get involved, please follow the link cwn­swfundraising.rmhc.org.au/event/redtember-2025 or visit www.rmhccwnsw.org.au

Nedd Brockman, born in Forbes and raised in Bedgerabong, has been named NSW Young Australian Of The Year for his con­tinued efforts to raise money and aware­ness for homelessness in Australia.

In 2020, Nedd decided to run 50 mara­thons in 50 days to raise $50,000 for home­lessness. Then in 2022, Nedd set himself the challenge of running 4,000km across the country from Perth (Cottesloe Beach) to Bondi (Bondi Beach), raising money and awareness for the homeless along the way.

But he didn’t stop there, he kept showing up for the cause, and in 2024, Nedd started “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge” and set off again, with a 1,000 mile running chal­lenge at a track at Sydney Olympic Park.

Nedd and his team have so far raised over $8 million for Australians experiencing homelessness.

Upon being named 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd said, “I feel honoured and very grateful for the award, but I equally feel a little bit disheartened because I wouldn’t be getting the award if there wasn’t homelessness in this country.”

“I don’t love running, running is just the tool I use in order to push my limits and show people that if you’re willing to com­mit to something wholeheartedly and throw yourself in the fire good things will come of it if you’re willing to go all the way. It is my tool that allows me to champion the desire to help end homelessness in this country,” concluded Nedd.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council proudly congratulates Susannah Davey, who has been recognised as the Family Day Care Educator Award winner at the Central West Early Childhood Awards held in Bathurst. Congratulations also to the wider Central West Childcare Services – Bangala-la Preschool and Family Day Care team for their nominations across multiple categories, a true reflection of their passion and commitment to early child­hood education.

NSW Government: Heading into the city from Sydney Airport? From 3 November, you can pay a flat $60 taxi fare (or $80 if travelling in a maxi taxi) to the CBD for the next 18 months. It’s part of a new trial to make things simpler, and it only applies from the airport to the CBD (not the other way around). Some first-time visitors have been overcharged with fares over $150, so this gives travellers peace of mind with clear, upfront pricing.

Forbes Shire Council: Community Fund­ing Program applications now open. Notfor-profit groups in Forbes can apply for up to $5,000 to support projects in: Sport & Recreation, Culture & the Arts, Community Services and Rural Village Enhancement. Find out more or apply: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. Applications for this round close 31 January 2026. Need help with your ap­plication? Book an appointment 6850 2300 or at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Central West Local Land Services: Got box gum or grey box grassy woodlands on your property? We are seeking landhold­ers in the Central West LLS region to help protect and restore these threatened eco­systems. Eligible landholders will receive technical support and assistance to carry out on-ground conservation works. EOIs close Tuesday 18 November 2025 Find out more – https://bit.ly/3I78sfT Not sure if you have these woodlands? Use the NSW Trees Near Me tool to find out: https://bit.ly/4ouHs9J

NSW Road Safety: In NSW, there are thousands of informal school bus stops (just like this one!), particularly in rural and regional areas. They may not be marked with signage or infrastructure, so drivers must, look out for flashing lights on the back of the bus advising that school kids are being picked up or dropped off, slow down to 40km/h, be aware that kids may run onto the road from in front of or behind the bus.

Described as a typical “out-west country lad”, third-year agricultural machinery ap­prentice, Zac Payseno, took his skills to the fast lane when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the Repco Bathurst 1000 last weekend (9-12 October).Zac’s dedication through his apprentice­ship at McPhersons Parts and Service in Parkes earned him top honours and the opportunity to experience motorsport ac­tion up close at one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Zac joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.

Zac said it was a big personal achieve­ment to be recognised as part of New Hol­land’s apprentice program.

“I felt pretty honoured to be named, and joining the Red Bull pit crew for the week­end was a massive eye opener,” he said.

“Their attention to detail and profession­alism was mind blowing, I can see why they are one of the top teams, everything is done 100 percent effort at 100 percent speed.”

Zac said he had always been interested in becoming a mechanic and started by do­ing after-school work. “I found out that I re­ally liked it, and just thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career.

“I really enjoy working on combines. I’m doing header repairs at the moment, which means doing header checks at the start of the year, identifying what needs replacing, and carrying out preseason repairs to get the machines ready for harvest.

“Getting ready for harvest is like getting ready for race day, but on a much bigger scale.”

Zac is one of six apprentice service tech­nicians that experienced race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland’s sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.

Parkes PCYC: On Friday 29 August the Parkes Leagues Club proudly donated $5,040 to support the PCYC Safer Driver Course. This generous contribution will help 35 local young drivers gain essential road safety skills, making our roads safer for everyone.

Rural Women’s Network: Time to nomi­nate someone you know for the NSW Com­munity Hero Award. This category is part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards and shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community. Nominations close on 9 September. Give someone the recogni­tion she deserves: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: This coming Saturday, 6 September will be a big day out in Trundle, full of family fun. Casey Barnes & The Bushwackers per­forming LIVE Get your entry tickets now https://www.123tix.com.au/…/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

R U OK? R U OK? Day is Thursday 11 September, but any day is an opportunity to check in with those you care about and ask how they are going. Learn more and access free resources at ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

Central West Police District: The NSW Police Force Academy Open Day will be held on 27 September in Goulburn. Explore interactive displays, meet specialist units, and discover if you’ve got what it takes to wear the badge. Entry is free but you can download your ticket at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-south-wales-police-academy-open-day-tickets-1579312890369

Forbes Shire Council: FSC, in partner­ship with the NSW Environment Protec­tion Authority and NetWaste, wants to hear from you! They’re looking to better understand community awareness and at­titudes around the Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) service. Have your say by completing a quick survey, it only takes a few minutes: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTDQ2RM Survey closes Sunday, 21 September.

Central West Is Best: The annual Region­al Development Australia Photo Competi­tion is back for 2025 with entries now open. This year’s theme – Central West in Colour – invites you to showcase the region in all its colourful glory. The competition is open to all residents across the RDA Central West region, with categories for Juniors (Under 18) and Opens. For more informa­tion and to submit an entry, visit: www.rda­centralwest.org.au

Parkes Panthers AFL

It was a very close game on the weekend for the Parkes Panthers, who held it right to Ba­thurst Bushrangers for the entire game un­til the final minute, conceding a goal which sealed the win for Bathurst club. Parkes Panthers went down 32-26. The Manildra Hotel hosted some post-game festivities be­fore the teams return to Parkes

Parkes Services Squash Courts

It is not long until girls squad starts. It will be an afternoon to have fun, make friends, get fit and build confidence! We would love you to join, starting 7 August, 4.30pm – 5.30pm then each following Thursday for the 6 week program. For more information or to register contact jayandjudycross@hotmail.com

Parkes Services Railway Bowling Club

Sheets will be on the board soon for nomi­nations for the 2025/26 Club Champion­ships. The Mid West Region Triples finals draws are out for the 23 and 24 August at west Dubbo. The club have three teams representing. There will be Social Bowls on Saturday 2 August at 1pm. Everyone is wel­come and loan bowls are available at the club.

Parkes Little Athletics Club

Parkes Little Athletics Club was recently supported through a Parkes Shire Council Evolution Mining Northparkes Sports Grant. The funding they received helped the or­ganisation upgrade their high jump mats. Get your sports grant applications submit­ted before they close on 30 September! www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League 

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League are cel­ebrating our old boys and ex-players on Sunday 10 August. Please join us at Pio­neer Oval on the day to catch up with those who have helped to make this club great, and cheer on all those who are the future of it. We will be setting up fire buckets in front of the old boys grandstand next to the can­teen.

Rural Aid is proud to launch the 6th annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, invit­ing Australians to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land.

Running from 14 July to 31 August 2025, the much-loved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Aus­tralians to tell their stories through the lens, stories of rugged beauty, resilience and community spirit in the face of hardship.

This year’s competition comes after an­other challenging season of natural disas­ters, with floods, fires, and droughts once again testing the resolve of the nation’s rural heartland.

Entrants are invited to submit a high-res­olution, landscape photograph that repre­sents the true Spirit of the Bush. Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and us­ing the hashtag #SOTB2025. Entries can also be submitted, and all of the competition terms and conditions can be reviewed via our website at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/.

A panel of judges will select ten winning images, each of which will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card. Winners will be an­nounced on the 15th of September 2025.