Volunteers should be proud of the wonderful contribution they provide to our communities.

On Wednesday 9 April, Parkes Meals On Wheels hosted a community luncheon and information session for their clients and residents at Peak Hill. The event was wellattended by Meals on Wheels clients, staff and board members, walk-in participants, local Council members, and hospital staff.

The wonderful team who catered for the event and also joined in the lovely day.

Some events truly highlight the impor­tance of a service in a small country town, and this was one of those events. Elderly residents who attended the event spoke about the hardship they have accessing basic services, the extreme loneliness they suffer daily, and the struggles they face with every day life.

Meals on Wheels services across Aus­tralia promote that they are more than just a meal. Volunteers from all lines of work, provide such a valuable service to our communities. In Peak Hill, the phone call each week from our caring staff followed by a visit from the Meals on Wheels vol­unteers are the joy for some Meals On Wheels clients.

The simple small act of bringing some­one a meal, and having a conversation is the highlight of their day, or even their week as they have no family in town, and no one who drops in for a cuppa. The Meals on Wheels team are always asking about their clienst well-being, while quietly ensur­ing that the person is ok, and then caring enough to report when that person isn’t coping.

On 21 May, Meals On Wheels will be celebrating Volunteers Week by hosting a morning tea at the Parkes Service Club.

The morning tea is their way of saying “thank you” to all of our amazing volun­teers.

Local groups and organisations are encouraged to bring their crea­tive ideas to life with the support of Parkes Shire Council’s 2025 Cultural Grants Program, opening on Thursday, 17 April 2025.

The annual program provides financial assistance to groups and organisations delivering artistic, musical and cultural initiatives that strengthen community development and contribute to the rich cul­tural life of the Parkes Shire. Grants of at least $2,000 are avail­able, with a total funding pool of $10,000. Applications close 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones, encourages local groups to consider how their projects could benefit from a Cultural Grant.

“In 2024, we saw a fantastic range of projects funded, from chil­dren’s pottery workshops to cultural cooking demonstrations and a local poetry night,” said Ms Jones.

Demmi Watt from Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc highlighted the impact on their event. “The Cultural Grant enabled us to host three free cooking demonstrations with Famous Australian Bush Cook Ranger Nick at the 2024 Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

The annual Cultural Grants Program aims to increase cultural activity in the community, encourage innovative creative events and workshops, help artists, crafters and musicians develop their skills, and provide funds to maintain or develop facilities.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs or contact Council’s Manager of Cultural, Education & Li­brary Services on (02) 6861 2338.

If you would like help with your grant application, please contact Council’s Grants Team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, Member for Orange Philip Donato MP, Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf OAM.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP, joined with mayors of Lachlan and Parkes Shires, calling on the NSW Government to urgently fund repair of critical water infra­structure which was damaged in the 2022 Central West Flood Event.

“The flood event of 14th November 2022 ravaged communities across the Central West, causing unprecedented damage to property – including critical water infra­structure, “said Mr Donato.

“I am extremely grateful to both our state and federal governments for their rapid support and the essential disaster funding they’ve so far delivered to help our region rebuild in the wake of this devastating natu­ral disaster.

“Unfortunately, existing flood recovery funding measures have failed to incorpo­rate the repair or replacement of critical wa­ter and sewer assets that were damaged or destroyed in the 2022 Central West Flood Event,” Mr Donato said.

Mr Donato is the chair of the Central West Community Leaders Forum, whose charter is to direct federal and state government disaster funding through the NSW Recon­struction Authority to flood- impacted com­munities of the Central West following the November 2022 flood event. It was identi­fied that local government’s flood-damaged or destroyed critical water and sewer infra­structure did not fit any existing criteria of funding, although the Northern Rivers flood event benefited from government funding for flood-damaged critical water and sewer infrastructure Repair. Mr Donato has raised this issue on this on the floor of NSW Par­liamen.

Mayor of Parkes, Cr Neil Westcott said “We are not asking for special favours, our assets are no less destroyed than the northern rivers and they were fully funded by the NSW Government”. “Water supply to a town is surely es­sential infrastructure. Our peak supply has been reduced by 30%, we cannot afford to fix it, we need Government help, this is a very serious issue,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

Early education is critical and this investment will also support mums and dads to get back to work, rebuild and plan for the future.

A Coalition Government will triple capacity at the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre in long day care, increasing avail­able places for 0-5 year-olds from 15 chil­dren to 45 children.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the Coalition would deliver $1 million to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre, ensuring local families have child­care availability and affordability.

“This exciting announcement is about making sure Eugowra families – who’ve al­ready been through so much – can access quality childcare close to home,” Mr Little­proud said.

“We know regional childcare isn’t just about affordability but availability. Increas­ing placements to an extra 30 children in long day care is significant and will help many families in Eugowra.

The new facility will replace the temporary modular building that’s been in use since the devastating 2022 floods and marks a major step forward in Eugowra’s recovery.

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the announcement was a huge win for local families. “I’m proud to announce that the final million dollars has been secured to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Centre.

“Access to childcare shouldn’t be a bar­rier for any family. This investment means Eugowra’s youngest residents have a safe, modern place to learn and grow, while giv­ing local parents the chance to work, study and contribute to their community. Getting Eugowra back on track means backing families,” Mr Farraway said.

Important update on the future of the Trundle ABBA Festival.

Parkes Shire Council recognises the Trun­dle ABBA Festival as a much-loved event that has brought joy to the community, at­tracted visitors from across Australia, and provided a significant boost to local busi­nesses, tourism, and hospitality. However, due to increasing financial constraints and many competing essential service areas, Council is unable to continue funding the Trundle ABBA Festival in its current form.

This decision follows a two-year funding trial after the event’s cancellation in 2022 due to significant inclement weather. De­spite this, Council is eager to see the event continue, and is currently exploring all pos­sible funding opportunities, including grant funding, to support the festival’s future.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while expressing appreciation for the Trun­dle community’s willingness to collaborate on potential solutions. “We are saddened to make this decision about an event that brings so much joy to the community and visitors who travel from near and far to at­tend,” said Cr Westcott.

“Last night, I met with the Trundle Com­munity alongside my fellow Councillors, and we are grateful for their cooperation and openness to exploring alternative op­tions.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to eve­ryone who has played a part in making this festival a success, including organisers, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and at­tendees. Your passion and dedication have created something truly special, and we deeply appreciate your efforts,” he added.

Looking ahead, Council is hopeful the festival can return in some form, whether through grant-funded Council support or as a community-led event backed by the Events Financial Assistance Program.

Council will continue working closely with the Trundle District Progress Association to explore all viable options and determine the best path forward.