Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.

“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.

“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.

“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”

2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.

The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.

NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.

“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.

“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”

According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.

ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.

“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.

“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has proudly launched applications for its flagship leadership and capability development program for young and emerging leaders in Australian agriculture.

The National Agricultural Leadership Program provides targeted activities and unique experiences in leadership, advocacy, policy development, governance, communications and media.

It uses a whole-of-agriculture perspective to build networks across industry and create the next generation of leaders for Australian agriculture.

Targeting participants under 35, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to develop a policy project guided by NFF general managers and senior industry leaders.

NFF President David Jochinke highlighted the opportunities the program produces for those interested in the decision-making process and policy development in the agricultural industry.

“Participants have the opportunity to tour the Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments,” Mr Jochinke said.

“By fostering a young person’s interest in advocacy, we are able to showcase the next generation to our political leaders and develop a network of skilled professionals to lead our industry into the future.”

Launched in 2021, the program has a proud alumni base of 20 graduates. 2023 alumnus Abbey O’Callaghan has used the experience to develop a policy that compliments her passion for strengthening the agricultural workforce. “The National Agricultural Leadership Program was a fantastic opportunity for a behind the scenes look at how policy decisions are made, best practice approaches to advocacy and the development of policies,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

The program will run for five months starting July 2024. Participants will come together for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra, work on a policy project, and are matched with an industry leader as part of an ongoing mentoring program.

Applications open until 3rd June. Find out more at nff.org.au/nalp/

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is welcoming more than $10 million in funding under the Growing Regions Program which will deliver new community infrastructure in Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes.

“I’m really pleased the communities of Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes will be receiving a share in more than $10 million to support the development of local community and economic infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“Parkes Shire Council Mayor Cr Neil Westcott described the $943,738 secured for bird-hides and boardwalks in the Parkes Wetlands as ‘wonderful news’,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’m really looking forward to the Boardwalks and Bird hides: Elevating Parkes Wetlands project to support habitat creation and promote tourism at the wetlands.”

“I’m always interested to see innovative uses of defunct facilities, particularly when land can be reclaimed for environmental purposes that benefit the whole community as well as ecological diversity,” Mr McCormack said. “This new funding under the Growing Regions Program will take the wetlands to the next level.”

“I look forward to seeing works for these projects getting under way and I eagerly await the time when the community can start to benefit from them.”

Last Thursday, 16th May the ladies from the Companions Through Cancer held a Biggest Morning Tea in the Parkes Red Cross Room to help raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council. They raised an amazing $475.90 and the winner of the raffle was Marie Walker.

The ladies are thrilled with the money that was raised and will continue supporting the Cancer Councils Biggest Morning Tea next year in 2025. Until then, the ladies have plenty to keep them busy and talk is swirling about the upcoming soup day in June, which is a favourite for many.

Companions Through Cancer is a local support group that was formed by Parkes business woman Dianne Tanswell after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid 1977. After multiple operations, intensive radiation and chemotherapy, Dianne learned that a positive mindset was vital and her will to live took on a new purpose – to live with cancer and to help others do so.

A lot of people fall apart when they are told they have cancer, I just began to fall into place, said Dianne.

Companions Through Cancer is a support group for people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Their main purpose is to provide companionship. The group started with 78 members, however over the years this number has dwindled to just 20 current members, so Companions Through Cancer are putting a call out for new members to join.

The group meet once a month for lunch, enjoy planned outings, have a BBQ day and a fun Christmas party. Money raised by the group is distributed to local support networks at the end of each year. The group is open to men and women of all ages and is only $10 per year to join.

If you are interested or would like more information, contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757.