This week we welcomed two State Ministers to the Parkes Shire to announce funding for deserving local projects. Police Minister, Troy Grant MP announced more than $150,000 in funding for Parkes High School’s Re-connect program which aims to keep students focused on their schooling and divert them from anti-social behaviour. Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole MP joined Rick Colless MLC to announce $500,000 for a major upgrade of Berryman Park in Trundle. The upgrades will include new seating, lighting, amenities block and grandstands.
A little rain didn’t deter around 150 residents, local school students and visitors from attending the official dedication ceremony of the new Parkes Peace Precinct this week. Relocated to the M&D theatre due to the wet weather, the ceremony featured a special flash mob performance by the M&D, who sang I am Australian. The new precinct, located within the Rotary Arboretum on the corner of East and Bushman Streets, features a dry creek bed running down the perimeter of the tree line with five timber sculptures featuring indigenous designs. Each sculpture carries a message of peace. Congratulations to all who contributed to the project which reflects out peaceful and harmonious community.
A reminder to local residents that from 1 July 2017, Council will be switching to a new corporate information system that will change the way rates and water charges are levied. Residents can expect changes to their water and rates notices, water BPay biller code and direct debit arrangements. For more information, visit parkes.nsw.gov. au or contact Council on 02 6861 2333.
Have a fantastic weekend.Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire