Zahli Gillingham (8) was very excited to be one of the winners in our Autumn Colouring In Competition. Here she is with her prize, a milkshake gift voucher from Ella the Coffee Van.
COVID Milestone: There are no more active cases in the Western NSW Local Health District, after a total of 45 cases were confirmed, and one death. There was only one confirmed case in the Parkes Shire. It is critical that everyone continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.
New History Blog: The latest entry on Parkes Library’s history blog https://historyparkes.org/2020/04/30/wongalea/ is about Wongalea, the village that once had a population of 67, and had a one teacher school which closed in 1970. The school was then bought buy a British film production company and moved to Nelungaloo to make a movie about a Welsh school choirmaster who comes Down Under! Sunstruck, the last feature film of Harry Secombe, included many Parkes residents in the film and assisting the crew in various ways. The producers were so moved by the hospitality of the locals that they held the world premiere in Parkes!
Parkes Shire Cultural Grants: The grants program encourages and supports the development of local community organisations, services and strategies, and can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works. Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Applications close Friday, 5th June. For advice and support, contact Council’s Grant Officer, Jenny Short on 0447 831 413.
Heavy Fines For Firewood Collection: The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves. This includes dead wood and fallen trees. Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.
New Work at Landfill sites: Works are underway to upgrade security at Alectown, Gunningbland, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore landfill sites to provide improved environmental outcomes and prolong the life of the small landfill sites by minimising unauthorised disposal. New fencing, a security lock system, and 24-hour CCTV cameras are being installed. Residents who can justify a need to access the landfill sites can contact Council to apply for an access key on 6861 2341.