The 25th anniversary of the Festival saw fans travel from all across Australia and the world for to enjoy in some of the 120 individual events.

Preliminary results indicate approximately $15 million was injected into the local economy over the five days - a huge boost not only for Parkes, but the entire region.

It is due to the hard work and dedication from our volunteers, Council staff and sponsors, without whom the Festival would not be possible.

I would like to thank our wonderful community for once again putting on the friendly charm and country hospitality for our guests - something that Parkes is now renowned for.

Following the most successful Festival in the event's 25 year history, Council came together with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce to host a Community Feedback Evening on January 31.

Residents and local retailers provided feedback on the 2017 Festival, including what worked well and ideas to improve the Festival for 2018.

For those who were unable to attend can still provide feedback via elvis@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Congratulations to Pauline van der Merwe from Parkes who is the lucky winner of the Shop Parkes + Win campaign.

Over 7,000 entries were received from over 100 local retail outlets, making it the most successful campaign yet.

Pauline entered the draw after shopping at Byrnes Clothing. Pauline has won a fabulous trip to Las Vegas valued at $4,000.

Thank you to our wonderful local businesses who participated in the campaign.

In January, residents of the Parkes Shire had the opportunity to meet our newly elected Member for Orange, Philip Donato.

Mr Donato hosted a barbeque lunch at Cooke Park, where locals could voice their ideas, opinions and any concerns.

On January 26, we celebrated our nation's heritage with a number of events held across the Parkes Shire for Australia Day.

We welcomed media personality Susie Elelman as our Australia Day Ambassador for 2017, who presented the Australia Day Awards at the official ceremonies at Parkes and Peak Hill.

Congratulations is extended to Dianne Green and all the nominees and recipients of our Citizen, Sporting and Cultural Awards - all of whom make wonderful contributions to our community.

This year, Parkes celebrated Australia Day in style with an Australian-themed art show held in the Coventry Room.

Construction on the new Water Treatment Plant achieved a major project milestone, with the final concrete pour taking place on the potable water reservoirs.

The two 2.7 mega-litre reservoirs required 60 tonne of steel reinforcement and 300 cubic metres of concrete, all of which was procured locally from regional operators.

The next phase of the project will see the aluminium roof members installed on both reservoirs, expected to be complete by February 21.

Congratulations to all the participants of the Summer Reading Club, who managed to read in excess of 888 books over the summer holidays.

Over 200 children from Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore registered for the Club, which aims to encourage a love for reading and build a lifelong library habit.

The club members are now looking forward to their graduation celebration which will be held on Thursday, February 16, at 4.30pm at Parkes Library.

Heading into February, the popular Story Time and Rhyme Time will recommence at Parkes Library for children aged 0 to 5 years.

Following an influx in water usage over summer, residents are urged to conserve water.

The high temperatures experienced in recent weeks resulted in an increased demand for water as locals attempted to stay cool.

Currently, the Parkes Shire is on Level 1 water restrictions which limit the use of garden watering systems to outside the hours of 10am and 5pm.

In order to avoid tightening of restrictions, our community needs to make efforts to limit our water usage.

For some helpful tips on how to conserve water and reduce your water bill, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Parkes Shire residents are invited to join the conversation at the Parkes 2030 Community Workshops.

Council is hosting a series of workshops throughout the Shire in February and March to encourage residents to help shape the projects that we will develop and deliver over the next 12 years.

To find out more, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

To register your attendance at any of the workshops, call 6861 2333.

Keep up-to-date with all Council news and events via our new e-newsletter, which you can sign up to via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.  

Have a safe and enjoyable February.

Best wishes,

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire