The innovative social media campaign features Parkes man, Dan 'Buckets' Wilson, calling out for help with his Christmas shopping for a range of family members and relatives.

The Buckets Christmas Challenge will be running from November 23 until mid-December. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Buckets will be posting a video asking for our local communities to help with his Christmas gift shopping.

We are asking our local community to follow along, tag a local gift idea or share an image of a local gift in the comments and the most creative idea will win one of 10 $100 Shop Parkes Gift Cards.

Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes Chamber of Commerce are strongly encouraging our local community to shop local, particularly this Christmas after a challenging year.

On Tuesday Parkes turned 147 years young and to celebrate, councillors joined in a cutting of a birthday cake.

COVID-19 restrictions will continue to ease across NSW from December 7. The four-square metre rule will change to two square metres, except for gyms and night clubs.

There will no longer be capacity limits for hospitality venues, weddings, funerals and corporate events, people are permitted to stand outside at hospitality venues, up to 100 people may attend an outdoor gathering and up to 50 people are allowed on a dance floor at one time.

As restrictions continue to ease, we must not become complacent.

We need to keep up good hygiene practices and physical distancing.

For the latest local updates, head to the COVID-19 page on council's website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Parkes was officially opened on November 30. The event was headlined by several important guests including the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack; the Minister for Regional Education Andrew Gee and councillors who joined the local CUC Board and community members to celebrate.

The CUC Parkes is housed in the new Parkes Library in Bogan Street.

Council has resolved for the Parkes Shire to move from level two to level one water restrictions, due to the increased water capacity in the region.

Please ensure you are still being sensible with your water usage and not watering during the day.

For more information about level 1 water restrictions and for some tips on how you can conserve water at home, visit our website.

A friendly reminder to everyone about the importance of locking vehicles and not leaving any unsecured items within vehicles.

These preventative measures can greatly reduce the chances of your vehicle becoming a target.

If you see any suspicious activity, please contact the Parkes Police on 6862 9977.

As always, residents are encouraged to keep informed by heading to council's Facebook page, or subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter via our website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.