Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce we have been selected as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) Tidy Towns Awards. The Parkes Shire has been recognised as a fi­nalist in multiple award categories including:

Galing Gindhay Water Play and Lake Endeavour Project – Finalist for Liveable Towns Award: This inclusive space com­bines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating. Integrating Wiradjuri cultur­al knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.

Homegrown Parkes Community Events – Finalist for Community Spirit and Inclusion Award: Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings to­gether people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability.

Waders and Woodlands: Parkes Wet­lands – Finalist for Biodiversity Conserva­tion Award:

Parkes Shire Council has reha­bilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna. The wetlands serve as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species and feature more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes.

Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL)

– Contributing to the Overall Tidy Town Award: The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, celebrated the recognition and commended the efforts of everyone involved in delivering these impactful projects.

“We are incredibly proud to see Parkes Shire recognised at this level. These achievements would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Council staff, lo­

cal contractors, community volunteers, and the generous support of our partners,” Cr Applebee said.

The 2024 Tidy Towns Awards winners will be announced on Saturday 2 November in Bathurst. Parkes Shire Council is honoured to be recognised among the state’s best in sustainability, community development, and environmental preservation. This acknowl­edgment reinforces our commitment to cre­ating a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive community for all.

CPA Australia is urging all Australians to dust the cobwebs off their tax returns and ensure they are lodged by the Halloween deadline: 31st October 2024.

But don’t be fooled by scammers who target taxpayers rushing to the finish line.

“Failing to lodge your tax return on time could ultimately mean a scary penalty,” says CPA Australia’s Tax Lead, Jenny Wong. “Rushing to lodge can also result in more tricks than treats as scammers will target people with last-minute calls to ac­tion, or promises of substantial refunds.

“So, if you haven’t already done it, set aside some time over the next week to compile your evidence and get your return in on time. Or seek expert advice from a registered tax agent who can assist, espe­cially if your finances are complicated.”

Individuals who lodge their own tax re­turns are required to do so by 31st Octo­ber, but those who use a tax agent have longer to lodge, as long as they are on their agent’s books by the end of October.

“We’re all busy and time can get away from us, but lodging your tax return on time is really important,” says Ms Wong. “Leav­ing it until the last minute comes with the risk that you cut corners, get things wrong and don’t submit your return accurately.

You could ultimately receive a less favour­able outcome as a result.

“If submitting yourself through myGov, make sure you check the pre-filled infor­mation is correct, and don’t just copy and paste the same deductions as last year.

If you do miss the deadline, Ms Wong says to contact the ATO as soon as pos­sible.

A big thank you to the Parkes Shire commu­nity for your involvement in the Return and Earn container deposit scheme – you are making a difference!

With every bottle, can, and carton you re­cycle, you’re not only reducing litter but also earning along the way, helping keep our environment clean and putting money back into the community.

You can find three return points in the Parkes Shire, including: Parkes Metrop­laza 299 Clarinda St (Machine), the new­est return point at Parkes Services Club (machine) and Peak Hill Caravan Park at 2 Ween St (over the counter).

Machines offer you cash vouchers, elec­tronic payment (via the Return and Earn app) or the option to donate. Over the Coun­ter sites offer you cash refunds and some offer the opportunity to donate.

Not all bottles, cans and cartons are in­cluded in Return and Earn. Remember, even if a container isn’t eligible for a Re­turn and Earn refund, it can still be recycled through your household recycling collection, offering a 10c refund to consumers for de­positing eligible drink containers.

Calculate the impact of yourself, your school, or business, visit: https://returnan­dearn.org.au/

Forbes Shire Council is calling on anyone aged 16 years and over to apply for 12 ex­citing traineeships that are now open and commencing 2025.

These traineeships offer the perfect op­portunity to kickstart a career in local gov­ernment, to work in a professional team gaining valuable experience, getting paid while studying and securing a qualification.

Forbes Shire Council Multiskilled Opera­tor – Events Support, Luke Evans, said “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone should look at applying for a traineeship. It’s a positive workplace that is really inclusive and enjoyable for every­one,” he said.

There are 12 roles covering all areas of Council including:

• Civil Construction (Certificate III, two years)

• Irrigation and Sporting Ovals (Certificate III, two years)

• Horticulture/Gardening (Certificate III, two years)

• Agriculture/Saleyards (Certificate III, two years)

• Business Support (Certificate III, two years)

• Community Projects (Certificate IV, two years)

• Surveying and Drone Operations (Cer­tificate IV, two years)

• Sewer Plant Operations (Certificate III, two years)

• Cadet/Graduate Town Planner (Bach­elor Degree, six years)

• Graduate Building Surveyor (Diploma, two to five years)Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said Council prided itself on the diversity of employment opportunities it is able to pro­vide.

“These traineeships are a perfect oppor­tunity to make a valuable contribution to our community by working for Council and being a part of our day-to-day operations,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for Council to have so many traineeship opportunities and they will all contribute to its growth and the ser­vices it is able to provide to the shire,” said Cr MillerTo RSVP to the information session go to https://forms.office.com/r/6bwiAZgtsy.

To find out more about traineeships and apply go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/working-with-council/2025-traineeships. Applications close 21st of Oc­tober 2024.