Mayoral message
In the month of October, Council joined representatives from Pacific National as they announced an initial $35 million to commence development of the company’s Parkes Logistics Terminal within the Parkes Logistic Hub. Pacific National's investment has been triggered by the first stage of construction of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project between Parkes and Narromine valued at $300 million, part of the Australian Government’s $8.4 billion commitment. The terminal will generate 50 full time jobs, and provide up to 20 new skilled jobs in the future, including train drivers and terminal.
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Last month Council was selected to co-host the 2018 Local Government NSW's Tourism Conference in March next year. The annual LGNSW Tourism Conference gives councillors and council staff the opportunity to meet, listen to experts and peers, and find out how other councils are engaging and managing their tourism industry. Approximately 200 delegates from across NSW are expected to attend the three day conference, held at Parkes Leagues Club.
The countdown is on! In October, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) announced the local baton bearers from the Parkes Shire and surrounds who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
I am delighted to be among those chosen to be a baton bearer to represent the Parkes Shire when the Queen’s Baton stops over in town on Monday, January 29. I encourage everyone to join the celebrations and see the Queen’s Baton in person when it reaches Parkes next year.
Parkes Aquatic Centre has launched new Aqua Aerobics classes to suit all ages and abilities. The pool is running three 45 minute sessions on Tuesdays at 7.15am and 7.15pm, and Thursdays at 6.15pm for $10 a class, not including pool entry.
This initiative aims to encourage members of our community to live active, healthy lifestyles. For more information phone the Parkes Pool on 6862 6001.
Parkes Library will be hosting a Jane Austen High Tea later this month to mark the 200 year anniversary of her death. The Parkes Book Club will take the form of an open mic event with everyone encouraged to share their favourite Jane Austen quote and explain what they like about it.
Book Club regulars, prospective new members and Jane Austen lovers are all welcome! Contact Parkes Library for more information on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.
Council staff recently installed a new public art work in Mingelo Street Peak Hill, designed to create an impact and showcase the town. The installation, a postage stamp featuring Melvin the Ram, reflects the town’s golden heritage, the district's strong agricultural background and more prided claim to fame, their prized Merino sheep and links with the post office building located across the road.
Locals and visitors are invited to make their ’68 Comeback to the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival as a volunteer. Become a volunteer by registering online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au or come along to the Volunteer Induction Night on Monday, December 4, in the Coventry Room at 6pm, where you can find out a bit more about what being a festival volunteer is all about. For more information about volunteering, contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000.
November marks Asbestos Awareness Month, with Council’s Planning and Environment team launching a campaign to educate locals about the dangers of asbestos in and around the home.
Local homeowners, renovators, tradies and handymen can access information on Council’s website about how to protect themselves from exposure to asbestos during renovations and home maintenance.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to fill their Christmas stockings locally this festive season, with the Shop Parkes and WIN campaign now underway.
Make a purchase at any of the participating stores until Sunday, December 31 and fill out an entry form to be in with a chance to win a $5000 travel package to a destination of your choice.
The lucky winner will be chosen on Friday, January 5, 2018.
Keep up-to-date with all council news and events via our new e-newsletter, which you can sign up to via parkes.nsw.gov.au.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM
Asbestos Awareness
Dear Editor
Aussies are besotted with renovating. We’re infatuated with DIY lifestyle programs and the plethora of decorator products designed to excite the renovator in us. But what happens when we ignore the risks and don’t take the warnings about asbestos seriously? We could be risking our lives and the lives of our loved ones if deadly asbestos fibres are inhaled.
Asbestos-related diseases are not a thing of the past. Every 14 hours, one Australian loses their life to mesothelioma. Every 13 hours another 13 families receive the tragic news that a loved one has the disease that will take their life, usually within months.
All too often I’ve heard people say that they don’t worry about the warnings, that they don’t think it will affect them, that they’re bullet-proof when it comes to asbestos. Well, with one-in-every-three homes containing asbestos in some form or another, homeowners and tradies could be risking their lives and the lives of families (even their kids) if they don’t take the warnings seriously.
Asbestos could be lurking in any home built or renovated before 1987 including brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes. Asbestos was used in the manufacture of hundreds of products and if these products are disturbed during renovations, that’s when fibres can be inhaled and can kill.
Death from asbestos is not a thing of the past. While we don’t know how many fibres it takes, what we do know is that the more fibres inhaled, the greater the risk to our health.
Visit asbestosawareness.com.au to learn what you need to know!”
John Jarratt, ambassador
Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign
Thumbs up
An extra big thumbs up for two police officers and the SES crew for their help early Friday morning when our backyard and front yard flooded from Thursday night’s storm. Thank you.