Recognised for our commitment to sus­tainability and community spirit, Parkes Shire Council will now represent NSW at the Australian Tidy Towns Awards in Beech­worth, Victoria, in May 2025.

KAB NSW has been running the Tidy Towns program since 1981 which cel­ebrates, recognises and rewards projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encour­age recycling, promote heritage and culture, biodiversity, and waterways protection, cel­ebrate community spirit and many other en­vironmental areas.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, expressed pride in Council’s achievement, “This award demonstrates the hard work and vision of everyone in the Parkes Shire. It reflects our community’s shared commitment to sustainability and resilience, from Council initiatives to the dedication of individuals, businesses, and local organisations. We are proud to bring this recognition back to the Parkes Shire and are excited to represent NSW at the na­tional level.”

Cr Bill Jayet also shared: “This award is a proud moment for the Parkes Shire, as it ac­knowledges the forward-thinking approach of our Council teams, community groups, and residents. Each project, no matter how big or small, has contributed to this achieve­ment. We look forward to continuing our journey toward sustainability and setting new standards for environmental care and community engagement,” Cr Jayet said.

In addition to the Overall Tidy Towns Award, Parkes received top honours in the Liveable Towns, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Community Spirit and Inclusion categories.

Galing Gindhay Water Play: Liveable Town Award, Population Category C Joint Winner. This inclusive space combines wa­ter play, adventure elements, and shaded seating, making it enjoyable for all ages. The project integrates Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.

Lake Endeavour Places To Swim Pro­ject: Liveable Town Award, Population Cat­egory C Joint Winner. Lake Endeavour was transformed into the first developed natural water location for recreational use in the Parkes Shire. The installation of new recre­ational infrastructure encourages people to get active in, on and around Lake Endeav­our – from swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, to fishing, walking and relaxing by the water.

Waders and Woodlands: Biodiversity Conservation Award Population Category C Winner. Parkes Shire Council rehabilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland eco­system, supporting native flora and fauna, serving as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species, featuring more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes. This site is attracting a range of bird spe­cies, marking significant ecological restora­tion and fulfilling community desire for ac­cessible green spaces.

Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL): Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Award, Population Category C Winner. The RWSL is a key water security project, stor­ing and managing water using solar energy and gravity. It ensures reliable water supply for the Shire while reducing CO2 emissions by over 900 tons annually.

Homegrown Parkes: Community Events Community Spirit and Inclusion Award, Population Category C Winner. Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability, fostering community engagement and pro­motes sustainable living.

 

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckley has been named the Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes received the accolade for his dedication to rural health­care. A trained pilot, Jack’s innovative ap­proach to healthcare delivery was first recognised during the NSW flood crisis in November 2022, when he utilised his fly­ing skills to transport medical supplies and pharmacy staff to towns along the Lachlan River.

By combining his professional expertise as a pharmacist, with his passion for fly­ing, Jack has revolutionised the delivery of essential medical services to remote com­munities.

Jack said “I think the key message is, don’t underestimate what community phar­macy can offer patients, particularly in re­gional centres. We are very service based and place a huge emphasis on patient management and, the great thing is, we are making a difference to the community.”

The award is one of Australia’s most prestigious and regarded pharmacy acco­lades, with LPG CEO, Michael Flannery saying “This award is a credit to Jack and all the work he puts into the Forbes stores and his local community. He has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us over 12 years ago”.

Jack has embraced the Forbes commu­nity, and is an excellent Pharmacist. The impact he has made in recent years, par­ticularly utilising his love of flying, highlights his dedication and commitment to commu­nity health.”

Nedd Brockmann once again captured the hearts and minds of the country with his epic 1,000-mile or 1,609-kilometre run that he described as ten times harder than when he ran across Australia.

“To say I’m proud is an understatement,” Brockmann said.

“You don’t know the extent of something until you’re in it, and when you’re in it, you’re shocked by its enormity.”

The man from Forbes finished the 1,000 miles in 12 days, 13 hours and 45 seconds at the Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre, which is 3,760 laps of the athletic track.

This time places him in the top 10 in the world and ranks him as the second fastest Australian to run the 1000 miles.

Brockmann constantly remarked on how he felt support from the local community, particularly from the countless donations, including the very generous $30,000 dona­tion from the Forbes Gala Ball.

Brockmann’s efforts have led to a stag­gering $3,700,000 raised for We Are Mo­bilise, with the fundraising efforts not over.

The second part of Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge invites workplaces, schools, gyms and individuals to commit to their own challenge that takes you out of your comfort zone.

“ This is about making people under­stand that any real growth comes with adversity and by taking an intentional chal­lenge, they might be more prepared when they’re faced with a challenge they hadn’t expected” Brockmann said.

Choose your own adventure at www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com

The popular Homegrown Parkes is back this weekend, kicking off off at 9am with a sausage making demonstration in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Parkes Shire Con­cert Band will be performing in the Park grounds from 9am and crop swap in front of the green wall will run until 11am.

The event will be officially opened at 10am, followed by a performance from Parkes M&D featuring the musical Cinder­ella and the Crystal Slipper.

The Parkes M&D will then provide per­formances for park entertainment from the low stage between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Bill Tink will provide a Netwaste work­shop in the Pavilion also commencing at 10.30am and WildTalk snake bite first aid demonstration will follow in the Pavilion at 11am.

The Parkes School of Dance will be sure to delight, with performances on the main stage of the Pavilion between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

The noodle making workshop com­mences at 12.30pm in the Pavilion and the Parkes M&D performers will be back on the low stage between 12.30pm and 2pm.

There will be a wonderful selection of local and regional food vendors and stall­holders. Keep the kids busy with the animal farm and jumping castle – and you know there will be face painting.

You can keep up to date by visiting the Homegrown Parkes Facebook and Insta­gram pages. For further information con­tact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

The Pakes community is in shock, after learning local husband and wife Graeme and Sue Tait, both 57, were fatally injured in a tragic two car collision on the Newell Highway in Tomingley, just south of Dubbo around 9:20pm on Friday 30th September.

Graeme and Sue have left behind five children aged between 16 and 26. The cou­ple were well known and much loved local residents. Graham was an experienced, well respected coach driver and fundraiser, while Sue was a beloved teacher and as­sistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre, having worked there for 17 years.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organ­ised by Amii Marchant on behalf of Berna­dette Tait to support the children of Graham and Sue Tait. Please get behind this fun­draiser for the five Tait children who now require a large amount of support. You can show your support by making a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-and-sue-tait

The two other fatalities from the horror crash were Lochie Jacobs 19 and Joey Urban 18. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. Support the boys fam­ilies at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lochie-jacobs-and-joey-urban

The sole survivor was a 23 year old driv­er of one of the two vehicles involved in the crash. On Monday he was charged and granted bail, and will appear before Dubbo Local Court on 21st October.