Lindt Café siege survivor Selina Win Pe paid a courtesy call to Parkes recently as part of her endeavour to support farmers, country kids and communities. She met with Mayor Ken Keith at the Parkes Visitors Centre.
Library Expands Online Collection: Parkes Shire Libraries has expanded its digital collection to include more than 3,000 online resources. This is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a huge influx in website traffic. The expansion includes the addition of Beamafilm allowing members to stream their favourite feature films and documentaries for free with their library card. Other additions include eBooks and eAudiobooks, more than 3,000 eMagazines, Storybox for preschool and primary aged children, and Learning & Training links. To access the online collection, go to the My Online Library page on Council’s website, and enter the barcode number on the back of your library card. Contact the Library team via email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6861 2309, or visit to join for free.
COVID-19 Testing: Book a COVID-19 test if you have, or have recently had any of the following symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. 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 call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000.
Face Masks: It is recommended in NSW to wear a face mask when in indoor settings such as on public transport and supermarkets; in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs; during attendance at places of worship. Note: a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing – remember to keep a distance of 1.5m in public.
Endangered Shrub Sightings: The search is on for an endangered plant, the beautiful Zieria obcordata, and residents are urged to report any sightings of this threatened species. Native to NSW Zieria obcordata is found in only two small populations near Wellington and Bathurst and are about to bloom. This plant is found nowhere else in the world, and has been hit hard by the drought with less than 200 left in the wild. It is a small shrub, 10 – 40cm high, has dark green leaves composed of three wedge-shaped leaflets and flowers, complete with four very small pale pink petals that fade rapidly to white. Sightings can be reported to – savingourspecies@environment.nsw.gov.au. For more information visit: https://savingourspecies.online/zieria-obcordata
The public is encouraged to report any sightings of the Zieria obcordate, a threatened species with only 200 plants left in the wild. (Photo: DPIE)