But Parkes fortunately is far removed from it.

Our council made a bold and brave decision several years ago to apply for a special rate variation for a period of four years.

It was quite a substantial rise, 13 per cent, and there was of course, some dissent from ratepayers.

As it has worked out, however, it was probably the right move because Parkes was deemed Fit For the Future and therefore escaped any threat of amalgamation.

And that is a really dirty word at the moment, with councils up in arms everywhere.

Even Forbes is still very much under the microscpe, despite avoiding amalgamation.

What about the situation with Dubbo and Wellington?

Deputy Premier, Troy Grant said this week the two councils had to be amalgamated because...he is reported as basically saying Dubbo didn’t want a dud council on its doorstep!

“Dubbo and Wellington had to amalgamate because the city couldn’t afford a “struggling council on its doorstep,” the Dubbo paper reported.

He said amalgamation would give the region ‘significant capacity.’

That’s some comment to make at such an emotional time for affected communities.

Meanwhile Parkes has been able to go about business without any hindrance and the results of the increased rates income is there for all to see, with plenty happening around the shire.

It will be most interesting just how the amalgamation issue affects the Federal Election on July 2.

Local government is not a federal matter, but I have no doubt it will play a big part in the election.

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While on the subject, we could well have a new-look council after the local government election in September.

Up to five of the present councillors are undecided at this stage, and I believe at least a couple of them have every intention of pulling the pin.

There are also some interesting names being bandied about of people who might throw their hat into the ring.

A move to hold just the one public meeting each month could encourage some more to come out of the woodwork (although there are plenty of other meetings councillors attend).

Some information nights are being organised to let candidates know what they are in for if they stand and succeed in getting on council.

We are most fortunate to have a council which works so hard to improve our way of life.

There’s no doubt it is a very rewarding job, seeing the benefits of the decision you make.

But the councillors put in plenty of hours over and above - such is their devotion and enthusiasm for the job.

There are exciting times ahead with millions of dollars of projects currently underway.

It will be a busy time - a period in our history that councillors will be able to proudly declare they had a part in.

Best of luck to all those willing to do their bit for our community by  offering themselves.

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Finally, it looks like the Christmas street parade could make a comeback.

The Chamber of Commerce is keen to have it back on the agenda, with a possibility of holding it in mid to late November.

There’s also a suggestion the main street could be closed off for markets after the parade - even to the point of setting the markets up in the still-to-be-completed Coles carpark (which has been a bit of an eyesore for many months).

There seems to be some thinking that once finished, the carpark could be a major focus of future events.

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“You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.”    

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​I absolutely love stories like this.

This group who refer to themselves as the Six Pack Boys are proud ex-Parkes mates who get together every year - it’s a way to reflect on their great days growing up in Parkes.

“We still laugh at the same old stories, but it is just great to recall our growing up years in the best country town in the world.

“We are blessed that we are still good mates after all these years,” Mick Tomsett said.  

“The photo shows that we are going alright for almost 70 year olds.

“All the best and we look forward to catching up later in the year.”

Local gem, Michael Greenwood sends every edition of the Champion Post to Mick - and they are then sent on to other ex-residents at Pottsville, Sydney, Gosford, Randwick and Curramundi.

“The Spirit of Parkes is alive and well,” Mick said.

We met at Twin Towns to contest the ‘Parkes Six Pack Golf Championship 2016.’  

“We played the very picturesque Murwillumbah course and Team Lynch was triumphant over Team Reynolds but only by one shot on the last hole.  

“A fabulous time was had by all and we still laughed heartily at the stories we have been telling now for the last five years.   

“I have included a photo of the presentation dinner which you are welcome to use in our beloved Champion Post.

“I have noticed over the last few years your decision to retire then return to work and now contemplating retirement again.  

“At 67 years I am once again in fulltime employment and really enjoying it.

“All the best mate, looking forward to getting back to Parkes towards the end of the year and catching up with all you old mates.”