
Parkes Shire residents can sign a book of condolences for Prince Philip at the office of the member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, in Parkes.
Condolence Book In Parkes: A condolence book in honour of His Royal Highness The Duke Of Edinburgh is open at the Parkes Electorate Offices of Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. The condolence book can be signed weekdays between 8:30am and 5pm until 1st May. An online condolence book is also available for signing at www.pmc.gov.au/pmc/condolences. All condolences will be collated and sent to Buckingham Palace. The messages will also be archived by the Commonwealth to form a lasting record of Australia’s close relation-ship with the Duke over many decades.
Small Business Rebate Scheme: Small businesses in the Orange electorate are encouraged to sign up for a new $1,500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges. NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said claiming the rebate would be simple and could be done online. “Liquor licences, food authority licences, council rates and outdoor seating fees are just a few examples of the fees and charges that can be claimed back through this rebate scheme.” Small businesses with total wages below the new 2020-21 $1.2 million payroll tax threshold with a turnover of at least $75,000 per year, will be able to register through their MyServiceNSW account and claim back eligible state and local government fees and changes. The rebate will be available until 30th June 2022.
Free Screening For Kids: Project Sprouts and Royal Far West will be bringing the Healthy Kids Bus Stop to the Parkes Shire from Monday, 24th to Friday, 28th May. It is a free, developmental screening program bringing together audiometry, oral health, speech pathology and occupational therapy screening services. It is a great opportunity for children to undergo a comprehensive assessment prior to starting school or in their first year of school to identify any potential issues with school readiness. Screenings will take place at: Parkes East Public School on 24th May, Parkes East Public School on 25th May, Trundle Children’s Centre on 26th May, Parkes East Public School on 27th May and Peak Hill (Hall opposite Preschool) on 28th May. Registrations can be done over the phone 0408 555 249, or online for Parkes at http://www.royalfarwest.org.au/programs/healthy-kids-bus-stop/

Parkes Shire Council acquired this painting by Karen Ritchie (right) called Profusion for its art collection at the Parkes Painting Group exhibition last Friday. With Karen are Cr Bill Jayet and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton. The plan is to hang to painting at the new Cooke Park Pavilion.