NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Sam Farraway MLC visited Parkes on Tuesday to announce $1.6 million in funding for the redevelopment of Spicer Oval.

The project includes a modern amenities block, a clubhouse and canteen with additional function capabilities, plus a viewing platform to service year-round participation of a range of different sports.

It will also provide the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club with a dedicated rugby union facility.

Australia Day awards

The Parkes Shire 2021 Australia Day celebrations will be a little different this year due to the current COVID-19 guidelines and event restrictions.

Although the Parkes and surrounding townships will continue to celebrate Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26, the award ceremonies and gatherings will be scaled-down versions of what generally occurs across the shire.

Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place across NSW, we won't have a 2021 Australia Day ambassador attend the celebrations in the Parkes Shire. Instead, Parkes Shire councillors and Australia Day committee representatives will acknowledge community members at a local level. All events will be free of charge however visitors will need to comply with the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Parkes, Peak Hill, Tullamore, Bogan Gate and Trundle will each hold their own Australia Day celebrations and community gatherings. The 2021 nominees appear on page 1. For more information on these events, please visit council's website.

Centre closed

The Parkes Library and Cultural Centre, including the Parkes Country Universities Centre (CUC), will remain closed until Monday, February 15 to carry out repairs following the recent storm event. The library will still be offering some services during the closure, please visit council's website for more details.

Although the Parkes CUC is temporarily closed, centre manager Jacob Cass is still available to assist students to navigate their study options for 2021. Please visit the CUC Parkes Facebook page to make a booking.

Cheney Park

Works to rehabilitate Cheney Park are progressing with earthworks continuing as planned, and the scraping and removal of saline affected soils nearing completion. Excavation works and installation of sub surface drainage have commenced and are progressing well.

Once completed, the importing of topsoil and turf works will commence.

Works have been delayed due to the recent storm event.

Thank you

On behalf of Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank our local businesses for their participation and involvement in our 2020 Shop Parkes Christmas Campaign, and thank our local community for shopping local during the festive season.

There has been $321,014 loaded onto Shop Parkes Cards and $206,957 redeemed, leaving $114,057 ready to be spent within more than 90 local redemption stores.