Parkes Shire Council is lodging a formal submission to the NSW Parliamentary In­quiry into Energy from Waste (EfW), call­ing for immediate referral of the proposed Parkes EfW facility to the Independent Plan­ning Commission (IPC), updated scientific review, and stronger government engage­ment.

The proposed EfW facility in Parkes rep­resents a critical moment for our region, one that demands immediate and decisive lead­ership from all levels of government.

If EfW technology is safe, then the NSW Government must demonstrate that safety transparently and scientifically. If it is not safe, it must be prohibited.

In the absence of clarity, Council has taken a principled and proactive stance, preparing for all outcomes, protecting our community, and ensuring that if the project does proceed, it does so under the highest standards of safety, integrity, and fairness.

The submission is not an endorsement of the project, it is a precautionary framework designed to uphold transparency, safety, and community benefit.

Mayor Westcott acknowledged the strong and vocal opposition within the community and reiterated that Council shares many of the concerns raised.

“Council has heard the community loud and clear. We should not be passive hosts in the state’s waste strategy – we are part­ners, and we expect to be treated as such.

“Council would not be acting responsibly if it failed to prepare for the possibility that this project proceeds.

“Our submission reflects both the com­munity’s concerns and the need to ensure safeguards, transparency, and benefits are in place should the development move for­ward,” said Mayor Neil Westcott.

Council’s submission outlines 34 recom­mendations, including immediate referral of the proposal to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to ensure an independ­ent and transparent assessment process, separate from the NSW Government. An urgent update of the Chief Scientist and En­gineers Report on EfW, which is now two (2) years overdue, particularly emission stand­ards. Immediate establishment of a whole-of-government taskforce to lead community engagement and oversight and a require­ment that the Secretary’s Environmental As­sessment Requirements (SEARs) explicitly incorporate key matters raised in Council’s submission, including agricultural risk, cu­mulative impacts, community engagement protocols, and binding benefit agreements.

Council has made its position on independent oversight unequivocally clear, if the Parkes EfW proposal is not referred to the IPC prior to public exhibition, Council will lodge a formal objection. Such an objection as Council understands, triggers a mandatory legislative referral to the IPC, reinforcing the importance of transparency and impartiality in the assessment process.

Council has also formally requested that the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Heritage, the Hon. Penny SharpMLC refer the Parkes EfW proposal to the Chief Scientist and Engineer for immediate review, not only of the 2020 Energy fromWaste report, which was due for reassessment within three years and is now overdue but also of the growing body of community circulated reports raising concerns about adverse health and environmental impactsCouncil believes this review must specifically assess the safety of the proposed facility near sensitive receptors such as school and agricultural land.

Council has also requested that a public hearing of the parliamentary inquiry be held in Parkes to ensure local voices are heard directly. “This is about our future. Our community deserves clarity, respect, and a seat at the table,” the Mayor concluded.

Locally owned and operated for over two decades, Matthew Jones Electrical has become a trusted name in Parkes for re­liable electrical and air conditioning ser­vices. Founded in 2004 by Matthew Jones, the business has grown steadily, building a solid reputation for quality workmanship and friendly, honest service.

Born and raised in Parkes, Matthew is dedicated to serving the community he calls home. What began as a one-man op­eration has now become a go-to service for hundreds of households and businesses across the Parkes Shire.

Matthew Jones Electrical specialises in servicing, repairing, and replacing evapo­rative air conditioners, ensuring locals stay cool through the Central West’s hot sum­mers. The business also installs new re­verse cycle air conditioners, ceiling fans, power points, stoves, and lighting solutions for homes and businesses alike.

With a strong focus on customer satis­faction, Matthew prides himself on prompt service and practical advice. Whether it’s updating a lighting system or installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, clients know they’re in safe hands.

For over 20 years, Matthew Jones Elec­trical has been keeping Parkes powered, comfortable, and cool – one job at a time.

Call Matthew today 0428 643 217.

As part of Lawson Grains UAH 10 Year Anniversary Dinner, guests came together for an evening that beautifully com­bined celebration, connection, and community spirit in support of the Blue Tree Project. Funds were raised through a charity auction, featuring a range of generously donated items from local businesses, suppliers, and community partners

Lawson Grains has grown to become Australia’s leading corporate farmer. They have done this through investments in peo­ple, environments, and best practice.

They have a team of passionate people and stakeholders who are engaged in the industry for the long run, having the scale to achieve operational economies, with land holdings across 11 properties around Australia.

This year, Lawson Grains UAH proudly celebrated a decade of growth, innovation, and community at our 10 Year Anniversa­ry Dinner (actually 11 years now), held at Garema Hall. The event brought together employees, partners, and supporters from across the country to honour ten years of hard work, dedication, and shared success.

Guests enjoyed an elegant evening under the theme “Formal with a Touch of Blue,” featuring a video presentation from Kend­all Whyte, founder of the Blue Tree Project, followed by a charity auction and a night of celebration among colleagues and friends.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of Australia’s leading broadacre grain businesses, Lawson Grains continues to invest in its people, its land, and the com­munities that make it all possible.

Molly Fuge of Lawson Grains UAH said “The evening was not only a celebration of our journey since our establishment in 2014, but also an opportunity to give back.

In partnership with the Blue Tree Project, the dinner served as a fundraising event to support mental health awareness across rural Australia — an issue close to the hearts of our people and the communities in which we live and work.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to eve­ryone who attended, donated, and helped make the night a success. Your generosity and spirit truly embody sustainable farm­ing, strong communities, and a commit­ment to doing good beyond the paddock.

We look forward to continuing to give back, and make a difference for many years to come.

New research by the Australian Institute for Teaching and Schools Leadership (AITSL) reveals almost 9 in 10 (87%) Australians believe teachers deserve more recognition.

The research comes ahead of World Teach­ers’ Day on Friday 31 October where people from all ages across Australia will take part in a National “Hats off to Teachers” moment.

In a country that deeply values its teachers, there’s a growing sense that we’re not doing enough to show our appreciation.

To celebrate teachers, AITSL is inviting Australians everywhere to join the “Hats Off to Teachers” initiative this World Teachers’ Day. To help schools and communities get involved, AITSL has also developed a free downloadable Celebration Kit packed with hat props, posters, thank you cards and ac­tivities to spark ideas.

AITSL’s Australian Teacher Workforce Survey highlighted that teachers find their work deeply rewarding – but the challenges are real too. Heavy workloads, time pres­sure and emotional demands are the top stressors and more than half report some level of burnout.

Tim Bullard, CEO of AITSL, said: “We know quality teaching is the most significant in-school factor influencing student learning.

On Friday 31 October for World Teachers’ Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the ex­pertise and dedication of our teachers and encourage everyone across Australia to tip their hat in recognition of the vital work they do. Teachers wear many hats and qual­ity teaching shapes who we become, from sparking curiosity to guiding us through life.

World Teachers’ Day reminds us to recog­nise that impact.”

To find out more about how you can get involved this World Teachers’ Day, visit: htt­ps://www.aitsl.edu.au/worldteachersday

Matt Shilcock (puppeteering Mystery) and Crystal Nguyen as Viv in ‘ViV!’ by Catherine McNamara at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre in August 2025. ViV! was supported by a CASP grant to composer-musician Cindy Fox to develop her innovative score in collaboration with Compareo performers. Photo: Henry Simmons.

A national giving day to the arts may be the lifeline needed to save a cherished small grants program in the NSW Central West.

Arts OutWest wants to raise $10,000 this month to continue offering microgrants in 2026.

Creative Australia has named Thursday 23 October as AusArt Day, a new initiative encouraging donations to support artists and arts organisations nationwide. For Arts OutWest, it’s a crucial opportunity to fund the grassroots projects that enrich the re­gion’s cultural life.

“Normally we would be opening our an­nual CASP small grants program now,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead. “But CASP was one of the casualties of the NSW government’s new arts funding model. The coffers are dry for 2026.”

In response, Arts OutWest is urging the Central West community to contribute to its Cultural Fund. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organisation, up to $10,000.

Over the past 30 years, Arts OutWest has awarded more than 350 CASP grants and 50 emergency microgrants. These small in­vestments have supported transformative projects across the region.

“The need for small, flexible, easy-toapply-for local arts grants grows every year. The quality of ideas keeps improving, but there’s never enough money. A pool of $20,000 could fund a dozen or more pro­jects or artists in 2026,” Ms Shead said.

Microgrants empower communities and artists to lead their own initiatives. “They’re incredibly cost-effective,” Ms Shead added.

“An impactful way of doing a lot with a lit­tle—something we excel at in the arts.”

AusArt Day aims to expand the donor base and elevate the public value of the arts in Australia. Arts OutWest is one of over 300 participating organisations.

Donations to the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund (tax-deductible over $2) can be made anytime through to 23 October at artsout­west.org.au/donate