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.

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.

A Citizenship Ceremony for new Parkes Shire citizens was held on Sunday evening, 25 January, welcoming 17 new citizens to the community.

Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee welcomed this year’s Parkes Shire Ambassadors Dr Skye Charry and Professor William Chan to the event, along with the new citizens’ fami­lies and friends. Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott signed the Citizenship Certificates, which were presented to the new citizens during the ceremony. Congratulations to our new citizens:

• Bonifacio Magan Caneta: Born in the Philippines, Bon arrived in Australia in 2013.

• Ma Liesel Lecias Garth: Liesel was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2016.

• Joyce Dela China Grady: Joyce was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Danecia Ronique Jacobs: Born in South Africa, Danecia arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Vito Jacobs: Vito was born in South Af­rica, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Simranpreet Kaur: Simi was born in In­dia, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Gurbani Kaur Sandhu: Gurbani, 5, was born in Australia, moved to Parkes in 2021.

• Yuh Ming Alvin Kong: Born in Malaysia, Alvin arrived in Australia in 2010.

• Megan Cyan O’Toole: Megan was born in England, arrived in Australia in January 2020.

• Mabel Surigao Ruizo: Mabel was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2019.

• Gagandeep Singh Sandhu: Gagandeep was born in India, arrived in Australia in 2013.

• Shingirai Ropafadzo Sibanda and Michal Sibanda: Shingi was born in Zim­babwe, arrived in Australia in 2019.

• Abeline Minakshi Smith: Abeline was born in Fiji, arrived in Australia in 2021.

• Jack Aaran Smith: Jack was born in Fiji, arrived in Australia in 2021.

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to an­nounce that two Australia Day Ambassa­dors will visit the Parkes Shire as part of 2026 Australia Day.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said Council was delighted to welcome two Australia Day Ambassadors again in 2026.

“We are thrilled to host two Australia Day Ambassadors in 2026, allowing us to ex­tend representation across multiple town­ships and ensure more of our community can share in these celebrations,” Mayor Westcott said.

The first Australia Day Ambassador vis­iting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Dr Skye Charry, a nationally recognised authority on workplace sexual harassment, gender eq­uity and rural culture. Dr Charry will attend the Australia Day ceremony in Parkes.

“Dr Charry’s strong connection to the Central West, combined with her advocacy for fairness, respect and community, makes her a fitting Ambassador for Australia Day,” Mayor Westcott said.

The second Australia Day Ambassador visiting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Adjunct Associate Professor HY William Chan, an award-winning architect and global sustain­ability leader shaping the cities and com­munities of the future. Associate Professor Chan will attend Australia Day ceremonies in Trundle and Bogan Gate.

Mayor Westcott said Associate Professor Chan’s story reflected many of the values celebrated on Australia Day. “William’s per­sonal journey, civic leadership and commit­ment to sustainability and inclusion make him an inspiring Ambassador,” he said.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend any of the Australia Day events being held across the Parkes Shire.

The 2026 Parkes Shire Australia Day pro­gram is available on Council’s website.

Visit: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-and-Festivals/Australia-Day-2026