During this month’s Council meeting held in Tullamore, I was delighted to have been returned as Mayor for the next two years, alongside Councillor Barbara Newton who was returned to the position of Deputy Mayor. It’s an honour to be part of this team leading the community of the Parkes Shire. I look forward to what the next two years has in store for our region.

Congratulations to the winners of the Parkes Recycled Water Scheme competition, drawn to coincide with World Water Monitoring Day. The first prize, a $500 council water account voucher, was awarded to Katrina Mudiman. The second prize winner was Will Rix who will receive a $250 council water account voucher, and Joy Neems won 10 aqua-aerobics classes at Parkes Aquatic Centre as third prize winner. The competition was run at the Parkes Show to
encourage people to learn more about our recycled water scheme.

Congratulations is also extended to the eight recipients of the latest round of Northparkes – Parkes Shire Sports Grants. Parkes Gun Club, Parkes Horse and Pony Club, Parkes Hotel Football Club, Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Football Club, Parkes Railway Bowling Club, Parkes Senior Cricket, Parkes Tennis Club and Trundle Central School all received part of the total $28,690.53 in funding. The program aims to support grassroots sport by replacing essential sporting equipment and infrastructure.

Council staff have recently installed the new ‘Take The Lead’ signage and bag dispensers throughout Parkes, as part of our Responsible Dog Ownership campaign. The bag dispensers are located at the start of the walking track at Harrison Park, Lions Park, the Off-Leash Area off Bushman Street and Kelly Reserve.

With the school holidays fast approaching, locals and visitors are being encouraged to ‘be out there’ in the Parkes Shire with plenty of affordable and memorable experiences for the whole family to enjoy within the region. Council has compiled a fantastic list of special offers for families to take advantage of via the Visit Parkes website,  visitparkes.nsw.gov.au

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week the Parkes Shire welcomed twelve international Consul Generals and government officials as part of a trade mission to the Central West – a fantastic opportunity to showcase the opportunities available here in Parkes, build international connections, foster relationships, and identify partnering opportunities.

As part of the trip the delegates visited the Parkes National Logistics Hub, attended the launch of the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival, and were treated to an exclusive tour inside the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope.

The visit also coincided with an announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro of a new Investment Attraction Package for regional NSW.

The 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival program was officially launched this week. This year’s Festival theme is All Shook Up, celebrating Elvis’ iconic song and all things ‘50s. Tickets are on sale now to all events, including the 2019 Feature Concert Series, featuring US Elvis tribute artist Ted Torres Martin. We can’t wait to get All Shook Up in January!

Thank you to the residents, affected business operators, agency representatives and service providers who attended the Parkes Shire Drought Forum this week. Over 90 participants, attended the community forum on Tuesday, participating in group discussions with the aim for formulating a short, medium and long-term plan. Forum facilitators, Bob and Lynda from NoaGroup Consultants will collate the outputs from the forum discussions and supply to Council to draft a report for public comment.

A reminder to residents to do a spring clean ahead of the 2019 Bulky Waste Clean-up. Between Monday, 17th September and Friday, 21st September, residents currently receiving a domestic waste and recycling collection service can place waste neatly next to the edge of the kerb.

For more information about what items are acceptable, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Parkes Shire residents and affected business operators are invited to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at Parkes Services Club at 5:30pm. Council wants to gain input from the community on how the Federal Government’s allocation of $1 million of drought funding can be applied for best effect. The forum is also an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support are on offer. Register your attendance
via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

The Parkes Ministers Association are inviting residents to attend the Parkes Prays for our Farming Community on Sunday, 9th September at St George’s Church lawn.

We are delighted at the Federal Government’s announcement of $860,000 funding towards the widening and seal of the final 6.2 kilometre section of the Bogan Way (MR350) to address a number of bottlenecks, and complement the new two-lane Kadina Bridge near Bogan Gate delivered earlier this year.

Tickets for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival will go on sale next week after the official program launch on Monday. For the first time ever, over 40 events will go on sale via the Festival website www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Residents are encouraged to do a spring clean ahead of the 2018 Bulky Waste Clean-up between Monday, 17th September and Friday, 21st September. Residents can place waste neatly next to the edge of the kerb. For more information visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Parkes Shire residents and affected business operators are invited to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at the Parkes Services Club commencing at 5:30pm. Council is hosting the forum to gain input from the community on how the Federal Government’s allocation of $1 million of drought funding can be applied for best effect across the Parkes Shire, in line with the guidelines. The forum is also an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support that are currently on offer for our farming and business community. Register your attendance for the forum via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Today we mark the 100th anniversary of the Peak Hill silos. Built by John Howie and Sons in 1918, the original single 50,000 concrete bushel bin was the first public wheat silo in Australia. The complex has grown significantly to include a six-bin Metcalf, a weighbridge, additional storage sheds and bunkers – now owned and operated by GrainCorp.

Congratulations to Parkes Jockey Club, and all involved in the restoration and rejuvenation of the historic grand stand at the Parkes racecourse. The grandstand was officially opened and named ‘Pritchard Pavilion’ at a ceremony held last Friday evening.

Congratulations is also extended to the Parkes Show Committee on delivering another successful annual show this week. Locals and visitors are encouraged to head out to Trundle this weekend for the annual Bush Tucker Day. Now in it’s 32nd year, the event is expected to attract over 2,000 to town with all profits from the event going back into the local community. Visitors can expect bush games, sheep shearing, cooking demonstrations, taste testing, free kids activities, market stalls and live music throughout the day – with headline act Richard Clapton taking to the stage at 6:30pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.trundlebushtuckerday.com

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week Council voted to adopt a suite of drought relief initiatives, which include immediate access to domestic and stock water free of charge for rural residents from Council’s stand pipes. While this isn’t a long-term solution, we hope this will bring some short-term relief for our farming families.

Council will also host a community forum in the coming weeks to discuss how best to spend the $1 million allocation by the Federal Government as part of their drought assistance package. I have also lobbied the government for the reinstatement of a Parkes based Rural Financial Counsellor on a visit to Canberra this week as part of the CENTROC Drought Committee delegation. For more details about Council’s drought relief measures, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Last week the Parkes Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Program was recognised for raising the benchmark of Australian engineering standards by winning the Energy, Water and Resources Project category at the NSW 2018 Australian Excellence in Engineering Awards. It is more important than ever to invest in smart, sustainable solutions to guarantee long-term water security and through this program we have been able to deliver state-of-the-art treatment plants and strengthen our entire water network.

This week Council crews have been working to repair a collapsed culvert along Collingwood Lane (SR148). The works are expected to take a number of weeks to enable the new concrete to cure. Motorists are advised that the section of road will be temporarily closed to enable the repairs to be carried out.

Locals are encouraged to drop by our Council stand at the Parkes Show next week. Our staff will be on hand to speak
with residents and answer any questions they may have about Council works, services, initiatives and events.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Mock Crash Demonstration. Part of the NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, it aims to improve the attitudes and behaviours of young drivers and passengers. It is targeted at local Year 10 students within the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires. Over the last 10 years we have seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers. To mark the occasion, a commemorative book will be launched this morning.

Council is working proactively with the CENTROC Drought Committee to develop a coordinated approach to supporting drought affected community members and lobbying government for further assistance.

For information on current state and federal government relief packages contact the Central Region’s Rural Financial Counsellor at www.rfcscr.com.au or phone 1800 940 404. Any rural rate payer in the Parkes Shire who is seeking confidential discussions around accessing Council’s hardship provision for rates, please email us on payment. help@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone 6861 2304.

Congratulations to the tourism team at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre (VIC) on achieving record visitation last financial year. The VIC welcomed 29,311 visitors through its doors last year, which is a 24% increase on the previous year. The number of visiting tour groups also increased by 19.04%. The increase can be attributed to a number of strategic improvements to the on-site amenities and customer service products as well as new destination marketing campaigns.

Council crews will continue work in Station Street to lay storm water pipes. The road will be closed to traffic, residents permitted, until 28th August. Thereafter, roadworks will continue on rehabilitation works with new kerb and guttering.

Locals are encouraged to drop by our Council stand at the Peak Hill Show next week. Our staff will be on hand at each of the Shire shows to speak with residents and answer any questions they may have about Council works, services, initiatives and events.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week Council crews completed the new fitness station at Lindner Oval in Peak Hill featuring a five-station exercise area. Other improvements will include a playground with climbing equipment, a double flying fox and shade cover, seating, filtered water station and shade trees. The project is jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Social housing Improvement Fund. It aims to facilitate access to free, modern and exercise-based infrastructure to increase the attractiveness of recreational space and encourage active and healthy lifestyle choices.

This week we marked Homelessness Week, aimed at raising awareness of the 116,000 Australians experiencing homelessness and develop solutions of how to combat the issue. In an effort to tackle the lack of social and affordable housing across the region and determine what action needs to be taken to better support people in need, Council will host a forum in October bringing together several agencies and community representatives.

Next week we will celebrate 10 years of the Mock Crash Demonstration. The program aims to improve the attitudes and behaviours of young drivers and passengers and is targeted at local Year 10 students in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires. Congratulations to all who have been involved in the program over the last 10 years, in particular Melanie Suitor, Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer. We look forward to continuing to support the program as part of our commitment to help reduce road incidents. Locals are invited to the dress rehearsal on Monday, 13th August at Parkes High School Multi-Purpose Centre at 7pm.

Remember to drop by our Council stand at the Tullamore Show this Saturday. Our staff will be at each of the Shire shows to answer any questions about Council works, services, initiatives and events.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire

This week Council welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of funding to investigate Parkes as the state’s first special activation precinct with an inland port, as part of their 20-year economic vision. This strategic investment, under the Snowy Hydro Fund, is expected to create jobs and enable agricultural value-adding, bringing
regional suppliers closer to their markets.

Congratulations to the Parkes Elvis Festival team on winning gold at the Regional Tourism Awards in Orange. I must also congratulate the local community and the amazing volunteers, without whom the festival would not be possible. Council also picked up silver in the Destination Marketing category, and the Parkes Visitor Information Centre was a finalist in the Visitor Information Services category.

This week Council has put its staff in the spotlight as part of Local Government Week. To highlight the diverse roles within Council’s workforce and the breadth of work that often goes unseen, a number of staff profiles have been showcased across social media and local print publications.

Work has begun on the Little Theatre refurbishment, which will see new tiered seating installed and a renovation to the foyer area. The project is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Residents are invited to join Council staff and Central West Lachlan Landcare to take part in Australia’s largest community treeplanting and nature care event this Sunday, 29th July. National Tree Day is a chance for locals to give back to the environment.

Tree planting will commence at 10am at Akuna Road, off Eugowra Road and will conclude with a free barbeque for all participants to enjoy.

Council staff will soon install new Take The Lead signage throughout town as part of the Responsible Dog Ownership campaign launched last week. The signage will serve as a prompt for dog owners about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership, with the aim of reducing the number of roaming dogs and dog attacks. Residents can pick up a Take The Lead pocket guide from Council’s Administration Centre or Parkes Veterinary Clinic or it can be downloaded from Council’s website.

This weekend Council’s tourism team will travel to Orange to attend the Regional Tourism Awards. Council, Parkes Elvis Festival and Parkes Visitor Information Centre are among 78 leading tourism businesses, events and visitor experiences across Country and Outback NSW nominated as finalists.

Residents and motorists are advised that Council crews will be installing new stormwater pipes and constructing new kerb and guttering along Station Street next week.

The work is expected to take approximately six weeks but will not involve road closures. Instead, traffic control in the form of stop/go signs will be used.

A reminder that applications for Council’s Local Heritage Fund close next Tuesday, 31st July at 5pm. The Fund aims to assists owners and/or lessees of significant land or heritage buildings with funding for projects on a matched dollar for dollar basis. Application forms can be downloaded from Council’s website, and hard copies are available at Council’s Administration Building.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire

 

 

I was delighted by the announcement of $4.2 million in funding for Parkes by the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Michael McCormack on Monday. The funding will go towards the revitalisation of lower Clarinda Street and a multipurpose centre development in Cooke Park at a total cost of $8.5 million. This
significant infrastructure project will drive growth in the local and regional economy and deliver social benefits through increased community pride, cohesion and well-being.

Parkes welcomed 400 delegates to the Inland Rail Joint Industry Conference hosted by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council. Key note presentations were given by the Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, CEO ARTC John Fullerton and the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP Minister
for Roads, Maritime and Freight. The discussions and presentations focused on how Inland Rail is a nationally significant transport initiative that will transform Australia’s freight networks, enhance supply chain efficiency and safety, boosting export competitiveness and unlocking regional development and employment opportunities for local communities.

Parkes Shire Council is urging locals to ‘Take the Lead’ as part of its new Responsible Dog Ownership campaign launched this week to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership, with the aim of reducing the number of roaming dogs and dog attacks. A Take the Lead pocket guide is available from Council’s Administration Centre, the Parkes Veterinary Clinic or on Council’s website.

Three successful authors Kim Kelly, Kim Hodges and Jenny Old, will be visiting Parkes Library from 26th July to discuss their new books and share their stories with the Parkes community.

Parkes Shire Council and Central West Lachlan Landcare are partnering to invite residents to plant trees and shrubs for Planet Ark’s National Tree Day on Sunday, 29th July. This year’s National Tree Day event will be held at 10am at Akuna Road, off Eugowra Road adjacent to Parkes’ new Advanced Water Recycling Facility. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire