Videographer Andrew Barnes films Jim O’Donoghue, one of two Parkes locals, for the We Want You Back tourism campaign.
COVID-19 Testing at Parkes: All residents in the Parkes Shire are encouraged to book a COVID-19 test if they currently have, or have recently had any of the following symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. To book an appointment time contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours please call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000
Grants For Parkes Volunteers: Two Parkes district community groups have received grants delivered through the 2019-20 Volunteer Grants. Parkes Neighbourhood Central will receive $5,000 to purchase furniture and equipment, such as tables, a hot water urn and a blower vacuum to support their efforts, improve morale and ensure safety, while the Bogan Gate Community Hall Association will receive $1,200 for air conditioning.
Millions Turn To Libraries: Over 20,000 new members signed up online to the State Library of NSW since the lockdown, while the State Library had 703,611 website visits (20% increase) and 1,500 ebooks have been downloaded (200% increase). NSW public libraries have collectively processed over 800,000 eloans (300% increase) and had over one million website visits (100% increase). NSW State Librarian John Vallance said the NSW Premier’s green light to libraries reopening on Monday, 1st June could not have come at a better time.
New Peak Hill Depot Now Occupied: The Parkes Shire Council crew at Peak Hill have moved into their new home following the purchase of the redundant Essential Energy Building on Ingalba Street. Parkes Shire Director Works and Services, Ben Howard said the move was primarily to do with safety, security and information technology to allow the operational staff to maintain current operating procedures and to allow satellite staff to effectively work remotely from Peak Hill.
$6 Million Upgrade: Parkes Shire residents travelling to Orange will benefit from one of ten projects being rolled out across the Orange electorate through round three of the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program. The project on the Escort Way and Henry Parkes Way from Orange to Parkes will see the widening of shoulders, installation of roadside barriers and clear-zone and delineation improvements to the value of $6 million, making it the biggest project of the ten.
At the announcement of the $16 million ten road projects in Orange this week were (L-R) Transport for NSW representative Alistair Lunn, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, Orange Shire Council Mayor Reg Kidd and Sam Farraway MLC.