A series of major upgrades to The Bogan Way are complete, transforming more than 25 kilometres of this vital regional freight route and improving safety and access across the Parkes Shire.

Seven projects made up the $15.7 million Parkes Shire North South Link (MR350) Project.This included three projects funded by more than $4.5 million from the Aus­tralian Government under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and over $9 million from the New South Wales Government.

The Bogan Way is a regional road link that provides a vital north-south road train route through the Narromine, Parkes and Forbes shires in central west NSW. It sup­ports transport operators connecting pro­ducers to grain silos and the Central West Livestock Exchange, and is a vital haulage and residential access route.

The completed works enable higher pro­ductivity vehicles, including AB Triples, to safely use the route, thanks to addressing pavement rehabilitation, widening, realign­ment, culvert replacement, and the installa­tion of wire rope barriers.

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said, “The council is fortunate to have the staff and expertise to deliver projects of this scale in-house, supporting our community while dramatically improving safety.”

Members of the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA Members wish to thank everyone who enjoyed and supported their Soup and Slice Kitchen on 6 August, as a ‘sit down’ or ‘a takeaway’ patron.

The August event offered five different varieties of soup served with a bread roll, along with the introduction of slices and a hot beverage.

The numbers of patrons attending in­creased overwhelmingly, with 95 serves of soup sold, compared to 25 at the July Soup Kitchen.

At the completion of the August Soup and Slice event, the raffle conducted by the Forbes Evening Branch over recent months was drawn. First prize, a tonne of firewood valued at $400 (kindly donated by the Forbes Men’s Shed) was won by Mr Kerry Smith. The winner of second prize, a $200 voucher to be used at Cahill’s Footwear or Euphoria was Mrs Lesley Teale.

Congratulations to both winners and thank you to everyone who supported the branch raffle. Funds raised by the Forbes Branch of CWA are returned to the Forbes Community as needs arise.

The final Soup and Slice Kitchen for 2025 will be held on Wednesday 3 September, with the doors opening at 12 midday at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street, Forbes.

There will be some of the favourite vari­eties of soups on offer, along with several ‘new varieties’, created by members of the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA.

For just $10 you can enjoy a serve of soup, bread roll, slice with tea/coffee. take­away serves will be available if you are un­able to sit and chat.

At the heart of every Meals on Wheels ser­vice is a simple but powerful mission: to support the wellbeing, independence, and connection of older people in our commu­nity. In Parkes and Forbes, this mission has been carried out with dedication and care for decades — and today, we’re proud to share a new chapter in that story.

Meals on Wheels Parkes and Meals on Wheels Forbes are coming together to strengthen the future of local meal delivery and community support. This collaboration between two like-minded services, work­ing together to ensure that our communities continue to receive the care they deserve, now and into the future.

While some changes will take place be­hind the scenes, our clients and volunteers can rest assured:

• The services you know and trust are staying the same.

• Clients will continue to receive the same friendly service, with the same caring vol­unteers.

• There will be no changes to volunteer roles or support.

• Both Parkes and Forbes offices will re­main open and active.

• A combined staff and administration team will now work across both locations.

• Most excitingly, we’ll be able to offer some additional services to meet the growing needs of our communities.

This new structure allows us to pool our resources, share our strengths, and work more efficiently, all while keeping our focus firmly on the people we serve. By coming together, we’re future-proofing Meals on Wheels for both towns, ensuring that our support for older residents remain strong, responsive, and local.

We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, and supporters who make this work possible every day. Together, we are build­ing a stronger, more connected future for Meals on Wheels in Parkes and Forbes.

Wednesday 27 August was National Meals on Wheels Day, a day to celebrate the local volunteers, customers and community members who make it all possible. Under this year’s theme, “Aged Care You Can Count On”, Meals on Wheels is proudly reaffirming its promise to be a trusted, reliable presence in the lives of older Australians.

“For more than 70 years, Meals on Wheels has delivered more than just meals. We bring nourishment, safety and a friendly face to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and we do it with heart.”

The NSW Government announced $400,000 to support grass roots projects that make a lasting positive impact in our multicultural state.

Through Multicultural NSW’s Stronger Together Project Grants program, local or­ganisations can apply for grants between $20,000 and $50,000 for projects that fos­ter community harmony and build capabil­ity in culturally diverse communities.

The Government is seeking applications from community-led projects that: assist with overcoming language barriers, deliver programs or services to multicultural com­munities, build capability and resources for diverse communities, strengthen resilience through network building, assist people who have recently arrived in NSW, build intercultural and interfaith networks.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said “This program empowers lo­cal groups to create meaningful change in their communities, so people from different cultures and faiths can thrive.

“If you’ve got a project that will make a positive impact for people from culturally diverse backgrounds, get your application in now.”

Funding is for projects that will be rolled out from 1 January to 31 December 2026.

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on Monday 15 September.

Visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/project-grants/ for info or to apply.