Local benefits: have started to flow in the Inland Rail project. Last week the ARTC purchased five new Toyota Hilux vehicles from the local dealership in Parkes. In the photo are Kurt Davies, Sales Manager of Parkes Toyota
with Nelson Wallis, Stakeholder Engagement Lead – Inland Rail – NSW (middle) and Buffy Mair, Stakeholder Engagement Advisor Inland Rail – NSW.
Inland Rail Sessions: Community members can learn more about Inland Rail activities and opportunities at consultation sessions to be held in Parkes and Peak Hill soon. The sessions will cover the Parkes to Narromine and Narromine to Narrabri sections of the project, and will provide opportunities to hear directly from project representatives, to ask the experts questions and offer feedback, and to hear about the local benefits of the project. The Parkes drop-in session is on Tuesday, 11th September from 5 to 7:30pm at 290 Clarinda Street, and in Peak Hill it is on Wednesday, 12th September from 5 to 7:30pm at the Peak Hill Ex-Services and Citizens Club.
Parkes Relay For Life: Early bird entries are open for the Parkes & Districts Relay For Life (Parkes Relay) until 2nd September for the two-day event from 27th to 28th October at Pioneer Oval. Early bird registration will cost $15 per team member and includes a Relay For Life shirt and breakfast. The relay is open to all ages. The aim is to try to keep one team member walking or running at all times. There will also be live music, delicious food, games and activities for all ages, and a night under the stars. In Parkes just over $170,000 has been raised from the three previous events. To register, visit relayforlife.org.au/parkes or call 6392 0800. Use code word “parkesearlybird”
to receive 25% off your registration (ends midnight 2nd September).
Be REaDiculous! PAINT Parkes REaD is on Friday, 14th September from 9:30am at Cooke Park. This popular and annual community project encourages families to read, talk, sing and rhyme to their babies from birth. It is a morning filled with action packed fun including dancing and singing in the main street, performances by community
members, reading in stores, games and much more! Don’t forget to dress to the REaDiculous theme, and keep your eyes open for REaDiculous things around town.
Farm Household Allowance: Legislation was recently passed to amend the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) to help farmers in drought. The changes will deliver the $12,000 FHA supplement from 1st September for couples and $7,200 for singles. This brings the total payment for a couple to around $37,000 and to around $22,000 for a single. Contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) on 1800 686 175 or the Department of Human Services
Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16 for free advice.