The Parkes Shire Concert Band returned to their weekly rehearsals this week on Tuesday after a long COVID-19 break. This is a screen shot of a second online video they recorded during lockdown.
Masks Compulsory At Hospitals: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has implemented new state-wide requirements for staff and visitors to wear face masks. “This change impacts staff, visitors and patients,” said WNSWLHD Director of Operations, Mark Spittal. “All visitors must wear a mask when they are in any of our health facilities. We encourage people to wear their own masks as long as they are in good condition.” He said if visitors had underlying health issues that might prevent them from wearing a mask, they should contact their local health service before they visit to get advice. At this stage, children 12 years and under are not required to wear a mask if they do not have any symptoms. “The use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand washing/sanitising should not be adhered to. If you are unwell do not visit. If you have even the mildest cough, fever, runny nose or difficulty breathing, visit a COVID-19 clinic or call your doctor.” For more information about COVID-19 call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 088 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Disaster Assistance: Disaster assistance is now available in the local government areas of Parkes, Bogan, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lachlan and Warrumbungle following heavy rainfall and flooding in April this year. The storms left the local councils with expensive repair bills. A range of practical assistance is available to help communities and councils assess the damage and get on with clean-up efforts and repair to damaged infrastructure. If you are uninsured and have low income, for information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au Further information is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au
Free Arts Funding Workshop: There is currently $10million of extra arts funding available nationally through the Australian government’s Regional Arts Fund (RAF). Arts OutWest is offering a free, online, workshop to help people in the region prepare applications for RAF. The free workshop will be held via Zoom today, 31st July from 10.30am-12noon. To register for the workshop email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au or call 6338 4657. Places are limited.
The Parkes Airport recorded close to 50mm of rain last weekend, while other areas in town had well over 50mm. Billabong Creek also broke its banks on Tuesday.