Message from the Mayor

It certainly was an eventful week across our Shire, with more significant rainfall leading to a number of road closures and load limits being put in place to keep our all safe and protect our vital rural road infrastructure.

I would like to sincerely thank our Council teams who worked tirelessly inspecting roads, crossings and causeways across the Shire. I also thank our community for your patience and understanding while alternative routes were required. While the wet weather has brought some temporary disruption, it has also laying down a wonderful moisture profile for crops, pastures and gardens as we journey towards Spring. There is a long way to go yet but it does give hope for an above average year farmwise around the Shire.

Last week, Alison and I had the pleasure of attending the 87th Rotary Changeover Dinner. Congratulations to outgoing President David Hughes on leading Rotary through another successful year, and best wishes to incoming President Geoff Tucker as he takes on the role. Our Shire is fortunate to have such a dedicated Rotary Club, whose members generously support so many local organisations, community initiatives and individuals. On behalf of our community, thank you for everything you do.

I would also like to remind our local not-for-profit organisations that Council's Community Financial Assistance Grants Program is now open. The program includes General Grants of up to $1,000, along with Rates and Charges Assistance and Leasing and Licensing Assistance. Applications close on Monday, 28 July, so I encourage eligible community groups to visit Council's website to learn more and submit an application.

With the school holidays now underway, there's no shortage of activities for families to enjoy right here. Our Shire Libraries have put together a fantastic holiday program featuring workshops, movie nights, screen printing, button mosaics and even a K-Pop Lock-In. Be sure to visit Council's website to see what's on and book your place.

Thank you to all who submitted their interest in being on the EfW Working Group. It has created a lot of interest and was oversubscribed to the point where not all will be required. The Working Group will assist Council in our efforts to follow through with our motion to oppose this Facility and give full access to those groups and individuals represented (and from there the wider Community) the transparency and information many have asked for. PSC will continue to place all correspondence relating to EfW on our website and I encourage you to take the time to check it out.

And don't forget our Shire Shows are just around the corner. These events are a wonderful celebration of the talents of the people who call our Shire home. I encourage everyone to get involved by entering something in the show—whether it's a flower from your garden, a home-baked treat, a knitted or crafted item, a painting, photography, or even your prized livestock. Every entry helps make our shows great. If entering isn't for you, come along for the day, catch up with friends and neighbours. Our local shows truly showcase what makes our Shire such a special place to live.

Have a great week, stay safe and enjoy everything our wonderful Shire has to offer.

Neil

After months of hoping and praying for rain, it certainly seems our wishes have been more than answered. While the continued wet weather has presented some challenges, it is wonderful to see our region receive such valuable rainfall. Hopefully our farmers have been able to make the most of the breaks between showers and complete their sowing.

This week I will be attending the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra, Australia's largest annual gathering of local government leaders.

The conference brings together mayors, councillors and council executives from across the country to discuss the key issues facing local communities, including infrastructure, housing, workforce challenges, disaster resilience and regional development. It also provides an important opportunity to advocate for our community's priorities directly with Federal Government representatives and to learn from the experiences of other councils.

Attending the NGA ensures Council remains informed about emerging opportunities, funding programs and policy developments that may benefit our region. I look forward to representing our community and bringing back insights that can help support the continued growth and prosperity of our Shire.

I am also pleased to welcome the establishment of a dedicated Youth Officer position for our Shire, made possible through the generous support of Northparkes Mine, operated by Evolution Mining. The Youth Officer will play an important role in ensuring our young people feel valued, supported and connected to their community, while creating opportunities for engagement, leadership development and participation in local programs and events. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this position will have on the lives of our younger residents and the future of our Shire. The position will be advertised shortly, so please keep an eye out for further details.

It has also been another busy few weeks across the region, with a fantastic range of events bringing people together and showcasing all that our communities have to offer.

Last week saw an outstanding turnout for the PSSA Under 12s Rugby League Carnival hosted in Parkes. It was a pleasure to meet many of the visiting players, families and supporters who travelled to our Shire for the event. A sincere thank you to Council's Parks and Gardens team, who once again had the sporting fields presented in immaculate condition and ready to host a major regional event.

Council was also pleased to support the return bus service to the Frost and Fire Festival in Forbes, which proved to be another spectacular success and a wonderful celebration of our region during the winter season.

One of the highlights of the past fortnight was welcoming nine new Australian citizens at an official citizenship ceremony. Citizenship ceremonies remain among the most rewarding events I have the privilege to officiate as Mayor. I extend a warm welcome to our newest citizens and wish them every success as they begin this next chapter as Australians.

Neil

An incredible turn around in seasonal conditions has helped establish winter crops, support pasture growth and fill up the soil moisture profile. It is an encouraging start to the winter season and a positive change for farms and gardens. For those of us with a few paddocks to sow...good luck.

Over the past week, I have been away to the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board and Parliamentary meetings, and the Local Roads Congress.

I joined fellow Central NSW Joint Organisation Board members at NSW Parliament to put our case on key regional issues. I raised Energy from Waste (EfW) with Minister Sharpe, who has committed to a follow-up meeting to discuss the matter in detail.

I also highlighted the need for stronger engagement between the NSW Government and local communities with Minister Moriarty, calling for a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) or similar mechanism to ensure better local input.

In discussions with Minister Houssos, Minister Moriarty, Phil Donato MP and Roy Butler MP, as part of the board, we underscored the real and ongoing impacts from the cessation of the Resources for Regions grant program (last round for our Shire was over $4m). There was broad acknowledgment of these concerns, with agreement on the need to explore new, sustainable funding arrangements to support mining impacted communities.

Another impressive NSW Women’s Masters State Championships event was hosted with funds raised, friendships forged and some great hockey played - and some local divisional winners as well!

The June long weekend celebrated two fantastic community events. The annual Peak Hill Arts and Crafts Weekend showcased the incredible talents of local artists and craftspeople, attracting people from across the region, while the Parkes Picnic Races was another great day of entertainment and family fun. Congratulations to the hard working Committees for enabling both great events.

Several major projects continue to progress across the Shire. The Wetland Project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, is taking shape with work underway on the boardwalk, bird hides and public artworks. Other NSW Government-funded projects, including the Regional Transport Resilience Program, Graddle Creek Project and Rose Street Development, are also progressing well.

Finally, it is great to see several new developments across town taking shape. We look forward to seeing these completed and continuing to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our Shire.

Have a great week,

Neil

ANZAC Day 2026 was commemorated right across our Shire, with services held in each of our townships and strong turnouts at every one. It was especially heartening to see so many students taking part in marches and ceremonies. Their involvement ensures the ANZAC spirit continues to live on for generations to come.

A sincere thank you to all the local branches and volunteers who organised these important events. Councillors attended services across the Shire, and I had the honour of being at the Parkes Dawn Service and the commemoration in Cooke Park. We were so fortunate to welcome home guest speaker for the day, Colonel Michael Mudie CSC, a former local who delivered a moving address. The Parkes march was one of the largest in recent memory, a powerful show of respect for those who have served and sacrificed.

During the week, we were pleased to welcome NSW Commissioner of Agriculture, Alison Stone, to the Council Administration Building. Alison also dropped in at my farm in Alectown, where we had the opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in our region. These face-to-face conversations are incredibly valuable, and I thank her for making the trip to our Shire.

This weekend, it’s time to dust off your dancing shoes - because here we go again! The Trundle ABBA Festival is set to take centre stage, and I encourage everyone to take a chance on it and head along. From “Dancing Queen” to “Mamma Mia,” it’s always a super trouper of an event, and Trundle truly knows how to put on a show. So say “thank you for the music” by supporting this much-loved festival and helping keep it a highlight on our events calendar for years to come.

And please note, Council currently has two grant programs open: the Cultural Grants Program and the Events Financial Assistance Grants. If you’ve got a project or event in mind, now is the time to apply. Full details are available on Council’s website, and our staff are always happy to help guide you through the process. These grants are just for the Shire, so please put your project forward. 

We’re also inviting all residents to have their say on Council’s Draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2026/27, which is on public exhibition until 28 May. You can view the document online or in person at the Administration Building, and submissions can be made via email, post, or through the website.

Let's hope the forecast rain next week falls across the Shire and beyond.

Have a great week,

Neil

Firstly I want to acknowledge this week’s visit to our Shire by the NSW Parliamentary Select Committee as part of its inquiry into proposed Energy from Waste facilities. Cr Paddison and I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Council and our community, and to put forward our collective concerns regarding this proposal for our Shire. Despite the change of times it was great to see people attend the forum and give their “2 minutes worth”, the committee would have left in no doubt the depth of feeling around this proposed facility.

Local voices are vital in matters of this nature, and I thank everyone who contributed.

Last week Councillors and senior staff visited Peak Hill, inspecting a number of key community sites including the pool, cemetery, Visitor Information Centre, community garden, Lindner Oval to see the new irrigation system in action, Carrington Hotel, the Bogan Weir and more. These visits are always valuable in helping us understand firsthand local priorities. Council staff are currently working on a number of grant opportunities to support important upgrades for the town. A highlight for myself was seeing how fabulous Linder oval is looking after its irrigation system upgrade.

Like many of you, Council is also keeping a close eye on the unrest in the Middle East. This situation is being monitored closely, particularly given the potential impacts on fuel and fertiliser supply for our local industries. We can only hope a resolution is reached soon.

Preparations are also well underway for Anzac Day commemorations across the Shire. Each of our towns hosts its own unique service, and I encourage everyone who can to attend and take a moment to reflect and pay their respects on this important day.

Finally, here is hoping for some good planting rains in the weeks ahead, in the meantime enjoy this great time of the year.

Have a great week.

Neil

As we approach Easter, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone across our wonderful Shire. Easter is a time of reflection, hope and renewal. For many, it holds a deep significance - a reminder of faith, sacrifice and new beginnings. It is also a time to come together with family and friends, and I hope this season brings peace and connection to you all.

I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing challenges affecting everyone out of the Middle East, particularly fuel and fertilizer as we approach the sowing period for winter crops. This is placing real pressure on our farming families and frankly all businesses across the Shire. Council too is a large user of fuel and commodities and will not be immune to hard decision making if the current cost rises continue. 

On a brighter note I had the privilege of attending the Country Mayors Association general meeting in Sydney. It was a valuable time with insightful contributions from guest speakers and important discussions with fellow mayors, government representatives and industry leaders. Financial sustainability for local councils remains the key issue across the state with some major changes in Federal government assistance needing to occur to keep the Local government sector viable and able to fulfill its roles . As always, it is an honour to represent you all and continue building relationships that support our region’s future.

Council is continuing to progress its action plan for the Energy from Waste proposal, which is now in the final stages of review and preparing for the EfW Inquiry to be held here in Parkes at the Leagues Club where Cr Paddison and I will be presenting. The Inquiry will be in Parkes on the 13/14th April.

It has also been wonderful to see so many turning out for recent events. Homegrown drew great crowds and Fly’n for Fun brought excitement at the Parkes Regional Airport with a fantastic weekend of aviation. I must also mention the Henry Parkes Centre Open Day coming up on the 11th April. Free entry and another great family event.

Finally, a personal highlight was visiting Bracken House in Dubbo in my Elvis jumpsuit, sharing some smiles and laughter with residents. Moments like these remind me of what a treasure people in the twilight of their lives are, how they shaped the world we live in today and how precious spending time with them is.

Have a safe and special Easter.

Neil

Hi Everyone. It has been a busy time around the Shire and it’s not going to slow down anytime soon.

Congratulations to Trundle and their fantastic Back in Time event, which showcased everything we love about our region and our rural heritage. From the Tractor Trekkers rolling into the showgrounds to tractor racing, crosscut saw competitions and stallholders sharing incredible local produce and products, it was a wonderful celebration of our past and the strong spirit that continues to define our Shire. Trundle always does an outstanding job bringing the community, volunteers and organisers together. Next stop is ABBA on the 2nd of May.

Seniors Week across the Shire has also recently wrapped up after two weeks of fantastic activities designed to bring people together and celebrate our senior residents. A highlight was the screening of the 1972 film Sunstruck, which was filmed right here in the Parkes Shire. It was wonderful to see some of the original cast members attend for a special Q&A session beforehand, sharing their memories and stories from filming in the region.

Looking ahead to this weekend, ‘Homegrown’ will once again bring a celebration of local creativity to Cooke Park. The event will feature more than 40 stallholders, along with performances from a range of talented local groups and performers, and a number of hands-on workshops.

At this week’s Council meeting, Councillors reviewed projects and updates from across the organisation. Of note the extraordinary plans for the 2027 Parkes Elvis Festival were revealed by the Festival director, Brendan. Expressions of Interest are huge for the Dean Z Concerts along with some amazing street activations. Importantly, Cooke Park will remain free, packed with entertainment, and open to the public throughout the Festival.

We also received updates on several resilience projects funded by the NSW and Australian Governments to repair and improve infrastructure following the devastation of the 2022 floods. Work is underway on culvert and crossing improvements along Middle Trundle Road, with upgrades to 3 other Parkes Shire causeways set to begin shortly. Works have also commenced at the Berryman Oval carpark as part of a larger project for the site, while additional improvements under this program are now underway at PAC Park.

A quick visit to Wollongong last week gave me the opportunity to tour the incredible HARS Aviation Museum at Albion Park. It gave an exciting insight into the potential our own wonderful exhibit has at the Parkes Airport. Both Museums are amazing and truly worth the visit.

As always, thank you to everyone who takes up the opportunity to make Parkes Shire such a great place to live. Have a great week.

Neil

It was nice to see some areas of the Shire receive some rain over the last week , if only to remind us it can indeed ...rain.

Now we are into March the serious looking to sky begins as farmers look to establish winter feed and crops over the next 3 months.

On Saturday, I joined members of our farming and broader community for the march against the Energy-from-Waste proposal. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with residents and farmers, listen to our local MP Phil Donato, Rebecca Reardon - Vice President of NSW Farmers, local Farmer Sharon Woods and Councillor Joy Paddison. Events like this can and do make a difference and are a powerful reminder of the importance of community voices in shaping local outcomes.

None of us are getting any younger and I was honoured to attend with some fellow Councillors, PSC staff and many from around the Shire, the opening of the Seniors Week celebrations on Monday. The Parkes Community Choir had the crowd singing, and local historian Ian Chambers shared his photo collection and more than 25 local organisations exhibited at the Expo, providing seniors with a wealth of information.

This grant-funded program, running until 15 March under the theme “Live Life in Colour”, celebrates our older residents and encourages connection, creativity, and active living. Activities include a red-carpet screening of Sunstruck, digital literacy sessions, a live stream of the Premier’s Gala Concert, and an intergenerational Living Library event. These events provide opportunities for residents to engage directly with Council initiatives and would encourage anyone to get involved.

We are looking for feedback on proposed upgrades at Bushman’s Dam and you are invited to do that via our website, social media, or in person at the front counter. Works aim to improve flood management, safety, accessibility, and long-term resilience. Council will take this input into account as we assess community values with future infrastructure needs further enhancing this beautiful attraction.

Council has also engaged PlaceScore for place-based social research to guide decisionmaking. By using a shared engagement dataset across projects - from strategic planning, grants, feasibility studies, and reporting - Council can reduce repetitive engagement while improving decision-making and simplifying reporting. Community members are invited to join the panel - please register to have your voice heard.

Finally Bridge footings are almost complete on Graddle Creek at Tullamore, with approaches and the bridge soon to follow. Have a great week.

 Neil

As I write this ahead of Tuesday 17 February’s Council meeting to meet newspaper deadlines, I am confident our Council will stand united in support of the motion regarding the proposed Energyfrom- Waste (EfW) facility. Council’s formal position will be to object.

That means we will be against it. We will be opposed to it. We will not support it. While we are not the determining authority, whatever influence we can bring to bear will come from a position of absolute rejection.

We will communicate this decision clearly to the State Government, relevant agencies and the proponent to ensure there is no ambiguity in our messaging. Council will work alongside our community, Phil Donato MP, the media and, we hope, the Parliamentary Inquiry, to lobby the State Government to abandon its intention of bringing EfW to Parkes. I expect strong and consistent statements from councillors as this motion is debated.

As a father, farmer and businessman, I will use every avenue available to advocate for a future that does not include EfW. As Mayor, I will draw on the relationships I have built with fellow councillors, other mayors and government ministers to increase pressure at a political level. And good news for our local roads with Council securing more than $8 million in Federal funding for two major road upgrades - the $5 million seal extension of Cookamidgera Road and the $3.45 million sealing of Lake Endeavour Road. We thank Infrastructure Minister the Hon. Catherine King MP and acknowledge the strong community support that helped secure this outcome.

Community consultation is also open on naming the new wetlands on Akuna Road, with three shortlisted options endorsed in line with NSW guidelines. I encourage residents to have their say before 6 March.

Finally, we look forward to NSW Seniors Festival from 2–15 March, celebrating the valuable contribution of older residents, and advise that works will soon commence at PAC Park to reinstate pedestrian bridges and improve flood resilience.

Neil

Well it’s has been quite a week. The intense heat we’ve experienced is something many of us have never seen before over such a sustained period. Temperatures soaring above 45 degrees are rare, to have it over so many days - even rarer and the impact was felt right across the Shire.

With these conditions came the highest water consumption the Parkes Shire has ever recorded - almost 16 megalitres per day, which is very close to the capacity of our water treatment plant. To put that into perspective, a typical summer day usually sits between 12 and 13 megalitres. As a result, water restrictions are currently in place: Level 1 for Parkes and Peak Hill, with Level 3 restrictions remaining for B Section users. These levels will continue to be closely monitored.

To help residents cope with the heat, Council tried to get ahead of the predictions and put several measures in place throughout the week. Parkes Shire Library extended its offerings as  designated cool area, providing air-conditioned comfort, free movies and cold water for anyone needing respite. Trundle and Tullamore libraries were available 24 hours a day to members with access keys, while Peak Hill Library also offered a cool space during opening hours.

Council also covered the cost of free entry to the Parkes Pool from Australia Day through to the weekend, with village pools continuing to offer free entry during this period as well. It was great to see families and young people able to cool off safely during such challenging conditions.

Despite the heat, Australia Day celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the strength and diversity of our Shire. On Sunday evening, 25 January, we welcomed 17 new Australian citizens at a Citizenship Ceremony held at the Cooke Park Pavilion. These new citizens now live and work across the Parkes Shire and come from the Philippines, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Nepal, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Fiji.

Australia Day celebrations across the Shire once again recognised the outstanding individuals, groups and organisations who make such a meaningful difference to life in the Parkes Shire. Congratulations to all those recognised on the day. The Australia Day Awards highlight the dedication, leadership and passion that strengthen us as a community and I encourage everyone to take pride in the remarkable people who call our region home. 

Another project that is progressing is our very own wetlands. The community is being invited to have their say on the proposed naming of the new wetlands site on Akuna Road. Naming the wetlands is an important step ahead of its planned public opening in late winter 2026 and plays a key role in recognising the site’s ecological, cultural and historical significance.  

As always, thank you for looking out for one another, particularly during challenging weeks like we have just experienced. Your resilience and community spirit continue to make the Parkes Shire a great place to live.

Have a great week.

Neil

Parkes Shire welcomed the new year in true style with the 33rd Parkes Elvis Festival - and this year was no exception, even if it was one of the hottest yet for those of us wearing a jumpsuit!

The Parkes Elvis Festival transformed our town and Shire into a vibrant celebration under this year’s Love Me Tender theme. Despite the heat, thousands of visitors travelled from across Australia and overseas, with the warmth of our community shining through in the kindness and generosity shown throughout the five days. I sincerely thank Council staff, volunteers, local businesses and everyone across our Shire for their commitment to making this iconic event such a success. It truly takes a whole community to deliver a festival of this scale.

More than 200 events were delivered by over 100 dedicated staff and volunteers, including feature concerts, free live music, markets, family activities and community celebrations. Highlights included favourites, the Evolution Mining Street Parade, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, the Miss Priscilla competition, the Gospel Service and many much-loved favourites in between.

We were honoured to induct Marcia Hines AM into the Festival Wall of Fame, while New Zealand’s Taurean Kenny Mill won the UETA tribute contest and will represent Parkes in Memphis. As the largest Elvis event in the Southern Hemisphere, the festival continues to deliver significant cultural and economic benefits, with planning already underway for the 2027 Elvis On Tour theme. I invite everybody to join us on Australia Day for a meaningful program of events focused on recognition, reflection and connection. It is a day to reflect on the deep privilege of calling this beautiful part of our country home, while acknowledging the diverse stories, cultures and contributions that shape our lives.

Australia Day also provides an opportunity to recognise those who give so much through the Australia Day Awards, citizenship ceremonies and community gatherings held across Parkes, Trundle, Peak Hill, Tullamore and Bogan Gate. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a deserving individual or group.

We are thrilled to welcome two ambassadors this year to the Shire, Dr Skye Charry Associate Professor of Law, Gender Equality Advocate, Author and Speaker and Adjunct Associate Professor Hy William Chan, Urban Design Architect, Educator and Global Sustainability Leader.

From community breakfasts to local activities and award ceremonies, music and sporting events throughout the day, there are many ways to come together respectfully and inclusively. All Shire pools will be open and are sure to be a popular place to cool off. I encourage everyone to take part in the events that resonate most with them. A full program of events is available on Council’s website.

Have a great week.

Neil

As I write this we are all still very raw from the terrible events at Bondi last Sunday evening. While we were enjoying the wonderful Carols in the Park it was hard to fathom the horror taking place in Sydney. The worst and best of humanity was to be seen in those minutes and hours that followed and our hearts go out to the families of the victims.

I also want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges our community has faced throughout the year. Behind the scenes, your Council works tirelessly to advocate for our Shire and for answers to the questions we face. We constantly lobby Ministers, Department heads and government representatives to demand outcomes and decisions that are made with the best interests of our Shire.

The first hearing of parliamentary inquiry into energy-from-waste operations was an interesting insight. The transcript is available on the Parliamentary website for those interested. The inquiry should be congratulated for convening swiftly, with the chair and panel asking a number of direct and important questions that strongly reflected the concerns raised by our community. While some of the witnesses were obviously well prepared and able to give educated responses others were not and it was concerning as to who they were.

At the final Council meeting for the year, several motions were adopted. Among them, Council endorsed the Trundle Flood Mitigation Feasibility Study, and Council has also applied for further funding to progress the implementation of measures identified through those flood studies.

With many Council services closing or operating on amended hours over the Christmas and New Year period, I encourage residents to check Council’s website or social media channels for a full list of closures and service updates. All services will be back in full from January 5.

I also can’t sign off without mentioning the Parkes Elvis Festival 2026. As our Festival continues to grow as a premier event on the Australian calendar, and is now proudly recognised as a NSW Government Foundation Event, I want to sincerely thank our local community. The warmth, hospitality, and pride you show our visitors year after year truly set the Parkes Shire apart.

On behalf of Parkes Shire Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, local businesses, Council staff and community members whose passion and dedication contribute so much to the success of this iconic event. Finally, I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year. I pray you enjoy a safe and special time with family and friends over this holiday season - I certainly look forward to meeting many of you throughout 2026. Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope

Neil

I would like to acknowledge the Parkes Solidarity Walk held on Saturday and fully respect and support the right of people to express their views. Actions like this matter - they underscore that decisions made in Sydney have real and lasting impacts here in Parkes.

Council continues to press the NSW Government to engage meaningfully on the Energy-from-Waste proposal. I have written to the Minister for Planning, the Minister for the Environment, and most recently the Premier (letters available on our website). Our requests are simple, reasonable, and cost-neutral: we want independent, peer-reviewed assurance that the facility is safe (or not); the project referred to the Independent Planning Commission; and genuine, transparent whole-of-government engagement with our community. We have also called for safeguards to protect agriculture and health, and for a modest hosting levy to recognise the disproportionate burden borne by regional towns supporting the city’s waste challenge. These measures are not radical, they are fair, practical, and essential to restore a modicum of equity if this facility proceeds.

From the outset, I have been clear, I will not support the Energy-from-Waste facility unless it is proven safe. Council’s role has always been to facilitate an open and honest debate, and we have listened carefully to all perspectives. However, continued government inaction is now forcing our hand. Council has resolved that unless this project is referred to the Independent Planning Commission from the outset, we will formally oppose it, the line in the sand for me is the February Council meeting. That decision is increasingly reinforced by the Government’s lack of response. Parkes deserves leadership, clarity, and respect, not silence. Our community’s health, trust, and cohesion are nonnegotiable, and Council will act to protect them.

I was fortunate to attend last week’s graduation ceremony to congratulate the students and reconnect with the five graduates who call Parkes home through their placement at the new Heart of Parkes clinical training facility in Currajong Street. These students have been supported over the past five years through a sponsorship jointly funded by Parkes Shire Council and the ten member councils of the Central West Joint Organisation (CNSWJO).

It was very hot for the Action Club’s Christmas Parade and Carnivale on Friday, but our green Cooke Park helped keep everyone as cool as possible. The switching on of the lights (funded by the NSW Government as part of the CID project) was a real spectacle, and the displays across the park and along the main street have certainly brought the Christmas spirit to life. Trundle also held its Christmas markets on Friday night and Tullamore on Saturday night. Don’t forget that this weekend is the Bogan Gate and Parkes Carols, with Trundle Carols the following weekend as well as many other celebrations in between!

Wishing everyone a season filled with compassion, kindness, and the respectful spirit that makes our community strong.

Neil