
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling and his of- ficers will be more visible on the roads this school holiday period and the October long weekend.
Double Demerits: With school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place over the October long weekend for four days commencing on Friday, 2nd October and ending on Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said there would be more police on the road which meant a greater chance of drivers being caught if they were doing the wrong thing. “With alcohol, seatbelts and speeding being the biggest factors in serious injury and fatal crashes this year in the Central West, my staff and I will be targeting these offences. We will take your licence for drink driving and the higher speeding offences, no question,” Sergeant Ling said.
Keep COVID-19 safe: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged organisers of community events to be aware of their COVID-19 responsibilities and to have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place. Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said: “Despite several months with no active cases, the threat of a confirmed case is ever present. There may be people in our communities or visiting our communities that have returned from areas with confirmed cases. We also have many vulnerable people living in our communities that we need to be extra considerate of.” She said complying with the Public Health Orders was up to each individual, business and event organiser, and reminded people that fines could be issued for a breach of the Public Health Orders. For more information on COVID Safe Business Plans go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Deductible Gift Status: Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been granted access to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Federal Government. This means you can claim an income tax deduction when donating $2 or more to your local shed, provided they register with the Australian Tax Office for this status. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said: “I have been to many sheds around the Riverina and Central West and I am always impressed by the fantastic work they do for our communities. They are not only great organisations working hard for our cities, towns and villages, they also are places where people go for friendship and support,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Have you seen the new street art at Cooke Park? Local artist Jac Clark added more work to her existing panels recently.