
After all the heavy rain starting last Saturday, long neck turtles were spotted in all kinds of places. Neil Westcott was greeted by this big one enjoying the puddle at his mailbox.
Walking and Cycling: The NSW Government will provide more than $1.3 million to local councils to deliver new infrastructure to promote walking and cycling in their communities. NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the new infrastructure would make it easier for the community to get around their local area and provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists to schools and other local facilities. Parkes Shire Council also received a grant of $225,000 to build a 220m shared path alongside both sides of Middleton Street from the corner of Captain Wilson Avenue to Dalton Street. This connection links up existing shared paths and a safe link across Condobolin Road/ Dalton Street, which is the designated heavy vehicle route through Parkes
Tresillian Residential Service: The Mayors of the Central NSW Joint Organisation are throwing their support behind the campaign for the Tresillian Residential Service at the Cowra Hospital, as part of the new upgrade to Cowra Hospital. Tresillian is a long-standing organisation for young families and young children with expert parenting advice. Tresillian began with the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919. With 100 years of invaluable service for young families across NSW, Tresillian has played an important and unique role in the history of the state. Parkes Mayor Parkes Cr Ken Keith said: “Across the region we hear from distressed young mothers having to make the trip to Canberra or Sydney for advice and support with young babies. Cowra is centrally located, and the region believes this is an ideal location for the specialist residential hub.”
Free Cuppa Registrations Open: Local businesses are invited to help tackle driver fatigue by registering to take part in next year’s ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme. The multi award-winning driver fatigue awareness campaign will run from 1st March to 31st May 2021. The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cuppa and to take a break from driving long distances. “In 2021 we expect to see a large increase in road travel as international travel and domestic flights remain heavily restricted or reduced,” said Parkes Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor. “We are launching a new website and trialling a new promotional strategy.” The closing date for registrations is today, 30th October. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364 or email Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Today is the last day for registrations for the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme.