Housebound Library Needs Volunteers: If you have a few spare hours each fortnight, why not assist with the delivery of library books to housebound people living in Parkes? This service is a cooperative venture between the Parkes Shire Council Library and Neighbourhood Central and is in need of more volunteers. This service has made a valuable contribution to many people in our community for over 42 years, focusing on those who are unable to visit the library on their own. Items from the Parkes Library are selected by a volunteer according to the preference indicated by the recipient and deliveries are made on a fortnightly basis. For more information, contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757 or email: admin@ncentral.org.au
New Projects: The electorate of Orange has secured $299,829 in funding for a total of 20 projects through the NSW Government’s 2020 Community Building Partnership Program. Trundle Village Progress Association was successful for a new skate park in Berryman Park. The Bogan Gate Golf Club will get new solar panels. For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
Almost 5 Million Birds In 7 Days! The Aussie Backyard Bird Count saw record-breaking numbers of people counting more than 4.6 million birds across the nation, compared to last year’s 3.4 million. The Aussie Backyard Bird Count is becoming one of Australia’s biggest citizen science events attracting counters of all ages. The number of participating schools rose to more than 1,500. More than half a million Rainbow Lorikeets were found finishing on top again for the sixth year running. Noisy Miners, Magpies, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Galahs rounded out the top 5. while the Australian White Ibis finished in tenth spot.
How To Help Heat-Stressed Wildlife: As the summer temperature starts to rise, native animals are feeling the heat too. Most of us want to help, but many people are unsure what to do when faced with a heat-stressed possum or an injured bird. A new pocket-sized guide, How to be a wildlife hero, distributed free by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), gives useful advice on how to help native animals and birds get through heatwaves, bushfires, floods and storms. It contains handy information and gives advice on what to do in an emergency and how to care for wildlife around you. Order your free copy of How to be a wildlife hero at www.acf.org.au/wildlife_care_guide.
A new free pocket guide is available with important information on caring for native animals in distress.