This funding was a part of a joint funding agreement between Northparkes and Parkes Shire Council that will distribute $180,000 in sports related funding over the three year program.

Parkes Sports Council Chairperson Alan Gersbach was pleased for all the successful associations that are set to receive funding.

"We are delighted that a great range of projects had been put forward for selection, which unfortunately meant that not all the groups who applied received a piece of the funding pie," said Alan.

This round, which closed in September 2020, included a grant to the victorious Parkes Rugby Club for a new scrum machine.

The Boars took out the rugby New Holland Cup title at Mudgee this year and will use the new scrum machine to hone their scrummaging techniques before defending their title next year.

Cr Bill Jayet thanked Northparkes for its continuing support of not only this program but also the many other community programs throughout Parkes and Forbes.

"Thank you to all the community groups who applied for this round of sporting grants; we strongly encourage those groups who missed out this time to apply again and if you would like assistance with your application please make use of the resources of the Parkes Shire Grants Team," Cr Jayet said.

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Northparkes Managing Director, Hubert Lehman acknowledged how vital the program is to the community.

"At Northparkes, we are committed to the health and wellbeing of our people, as well as the community in which we live and work and we have proudly supported the Sports Grants program in association with the Parkes Shire Council for seven years now," said Hubert.

"Northparkes recognises how vital sport is to our local community; supporting the Sports Grants program is one way we can contribute to some of the teams and clubs which do such a great job helping to keep the Parkes Shire healthy and happy."

The next round will open in March 2021.

Upgrade lighting at the kennel club grounds by replacing the existing flood lights with new LED light fittings - $2500

Purchase a Bola hockey ball machine for up-and-coming goalkeepers in addition to individual training sessions - $2000

Purchase retractable screens for our outdoor seating at each end of the bowling rinks - $1000

Supply and installation of PA equipment to the Harrison Park sporting fields in Parkes - $2632

Purchase of helmets for use by players in compliance with COVID-19 hygiene requirements - $1235

Purchase space savers and coacher's helpers for uneven and single bars to improve safety of gymnasts and increase usable space to allow more kids to take part - $1350

New scrum machine - $8000

Purchase of new strapping tables and contribution towards the changeroom upgrade project - $4028

Acquire six bikes and helmets to enhance children's gross motor development - $400

Provision of an Air Track and Cylinder that enables students in Acro Dance and Contemporary classes to learn new skills and techniques in a safe manner, whilst reducing the physical input of the teacher - $1235

Purchase three commercial shade umbrellas to provide shade - $3000

Photo caption - Back: Anthony McGrath (Parkes Sports Council), Scott Knights (Parkes Cricket Association), Chris Higgins (Parkes Little Athletics), Dan Wilson (Parkes Hockey), Hubert Lehman (Northparkes Mines), Clr Bill Jayet (Parkes Shire Council).

Front: Angela Bottaro-Porter (Parkes Soccer), Megan Hutchison (Parkes School of Dance), Stacey Kelly (Northparkes Mines), Jorja Mann (Parkes School of Dance), Sue Tait (Parkes Early Childhood Centre) & Sharon Jeffries (Parkes & District Kennel Club).