The inaugural welcome to Parkes event was a resounding success with new friendships formed and even some job networking taking place.

Council is now looking at making the event a regular occurrence.

Dozens of new residents and community groups and sporting clubs attended.

Clubs including Rotary, the SES, Parkes Ladies Lounge, Line Dancing and the AFL club joined the Parkes Shire Library, Parkes Information and Neighbourhood Centre and Parkes Shire Council in welcoming and distributing information to the newcomers.

Mayor Cr Ken Keith was there to welcome the new residents and applauded the initiative.

"There was a broad range of new residents who attended from young families to retirees and all those in the middle, and one family from as far away as England,” he said.

“Relocating to a new community can often be a challenging yet exciting time, particularly when the area they have moved to is unfamiliar.

“An event such as this allows people to more easily integrate into our community."

New resident Kerry Howard, who moved from Bathurst to Parkes just before Christmas, said the evening was a great opportunity to learn more about the town and meet some new contacts.

"Since moving to town I have enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of the Parkes community,” she said.

“Tonight has been a great way to meet some new friends and find out about all there is to do in town.

“There are some groups I didn’t even know existed. The Ladies Lounge is a great idea, after all why should the blokes have all the fun in their Men's Shed!"

The event was organised by Parkes Shire Council with support from Northparkes Mines and Rotary.

Any new residents wishing to find out more information about the Parkes community can drop into Parkes Shire Council, the Henry Parkes Centre or the Parkes Information and Neighbourhood Centre.