New data has revealed the impact the Al­banese Labor Government’s disastrous en­ergy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regu­lator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Na­tionally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaf­fey said the energy crisis was heaping pres­sure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes elector­ate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Austral­ians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

The wonderful team at the local Parkes Big W store recently supported the Lifestyle So­lutions foster care team with a very gener­ous donation of Easter chocolates.

For children and young people in care, holidays can sometimes be a challenging time. Small acts of kindness from the local community help create a sense of belong­ing and ensure they don’t miss out on the holiday fun.

The Lifestyle Solutions Parkes team was thrilled to receive the donation, noting the immediate impact it will have: “Big W Parkes, your kindness and support will bring joy and smiles to children in our foster care program this Easter.

“Because of you, Easter will be a little bit brighter, a little sweeter, and full of special moments for the young people we support.”

A huge, heartfelt thank you to the BIG W Parkes team for their generosity.

Children and young people all across Australia urgently need foster carers, par­ticularly in our local area. Could you open your heart and home to a child who needs you? To fond out more go to: www.lifestyles­olutions.org.au/foster-care/foster-care-withlifestyle-solutions

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has called on residents of the Parkes elec­torate to report fuel shortages in their area using a new website, www.nofuelhere.com.

au as communities across regional Austral­ia feel the sting of the nation’s fuel crisis.

“I have had many calls and emails from concerned residents, farmers and busi­ness owners who just can’t get access to fuel, or are paying enormous prices for it,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Agriculture and business are suffering in regional areas, and independent fuel suppliers and service station operators are also frustrated.

“Regional Australians don’t have the lux­ury of jumping on a bus or working from home. Fuel is how we get to work, how we get our kids to school, how our businesses and farms keep running. When the pumps are empty, our communities grind to a halt.”

Australia, which imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel, has been particu­larly exposed by the war in Iran. Australia is the only International Energy Agency mem­ber country that does not hold the manda­tory 90-day fuel reserve.

Residents are encouraged to report all fuel shortages at: www.nofuelhere.com.au

The new school year has resumed for thou­sands of local students in Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5-14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.”

“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when schoolresumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road and young pedestrians crossing the streets. Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get.”

Obey the parking signs around schools.

They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP host­ed the Orange electorate’s annual Commu­nity Recognition Awards at the Australian National Field Days Function Centre, hon­ouring the dedication and achievements of local individuals and organisations.

Ninety seven Recognition Award recipi­ents were acknowledged for outstanding service to the community or for significant personal and professional accomplish­ments. Mr Donato personally presented cer­tificates to each award recipient.

“Our region is built on the strength of its people, and these awards are about recog­nising those who give their time, skills and energy to make our community a better place,” Mr Donato said.

“Whether through volunteering, leader­ship, service or personal achievement, each recipient has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Each certificate presented was formally endorsed with a speech delivered by Mr Donato in the NSW Parliament.

“Every year, this event highlights just how fortunate we are to live in a commu­nity where people genuinely care about one another.

“Many of those recognised go about their work quietly and without expectation of ac­knowledgement, which makes it especially important that their efforts are celebrated by the community they support.” Mr Donato said.

Australia Day award recipients Mark Ritchie and Nenyasha Munodawafa.

The 2026 Parkes Australia Day Awards were announced by Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott and presented by Ambassa­dor Dr Skye Charry, in Cooke Park on Mon­day 26 January. Congratulations to the fol­lowing Parkes Shire Civic award recipients.

Parkes Citizen of the Year, Mark Ritchie: Mark Ritchie is a true example of a citizen who serves his community through both his vocation and voluntary work. Mark first came to Parkes as an electrical trades teacher with TAFE, later working as a train­ing coordinator at Northparkes Mines before returning to TAFE part-time after retirement.

His passion for teaching and mentoring young people has continued for decades, including voluntarily tutoring apprentices.

Also volunteering with Apex, coaching tennis, assisting local schools, and joining the Rotary Club of Parkes in 2014. A past president and current youth director, he leads programs such as Rotary Youth Lead­ership Awards, Youth Science Forums, and the Youth Program of Enrichment, as well as the Rotary Driving Simulator experience.

Mark consistently identifies community needs and steps up to meet them, from fit­ting alarms for older residents to mentoring youth. His 40 years of dedicated service make him a deserving of the award.

Parkes Junior Citizen of the Year, Nen­yasha (Asha) Munodawafa: Nenyasha “Asha” Munodawafa is a young leader and the founder of The Hey Sis Project, a youthled initiative empowering and inspiring young women across Parkes and the Cen­tral West. Guided by the belief that every girl deserves a safe and inclusive space, Asha has created programs that foster wellbeing, leadership, confidence, and connection.

Through The Hey Sis Project, Asha has coordinated impactful events including an all-girls Galentine’s Day celebration, com­munity fundraisers for the McGrath Founda­tion and Do It For Dolly, and weekly all-girls cardio tennis squads that promote resil­ience, physical activity, and friendship.

Asha’s exceptional drive, compassion, and leadership have been widely recog­nised, including receiving the Young Volun­teer Achievement Award at the 2024 Tennis NSW Awards. Her dedication to empower­ing girls and creating lasting community im­pact makes her a truly deserving recipient.