I would firstly like to thank our wonderful Rural Fire Service (RFS) for keeping watch this summer. While the Parkes Shire has avoided any major fires during this period of extreme heat, it is timely to thank all our volunteer fire fighters who make themselves available.
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The Parkes 2030 campaign began its tour around the Shire this month, and I thank the residents who joined the conversation at our Community Workshops. If you would like to join the conversation at the remaining Community Workshops, register your attendance by calling 6861 2333. For those who cannot attend the workshops, complete the survey on Council's website - www.parkes.nsw.com.au.
Council has seen tremendous results from the 20 million Trees project, with thousands of native seedlings embracing the heat and germinating. We thank the community members who volunteered their time last year to plant the seedlings as part of an initiative to transform the previously farmed land into an ecological woodland complex to host our native flora and fauna.
In February, our Community Wall was transformed with twelve new artworks by students from across the Parkes Shire. An official launch was held on Wednesday, February 15.
Parkes Pool has been a hive of activity this season with the Parkes Learn to Swim program providing 80 lessons this term for a range of members in the community. The first term in 2016 had 345 enrolments, with the current term exceeding those enrolments to 390 participants with a range of additional services including Adult Learn to Swim. It has been a joy to hear of the progress and growth of the students in providing them a skill for life.
Lovers of literature got the chance to go on a blind date on Valentine's Day, when Parkes Shire Library hosted Library Lovers' Day on February 14.
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire
