Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP has announced that 42 organisations in the electorate of Parkes have been successful in their applications for a 202526 Volunteer Grant.

Mr Chaffey said the grants were spread across the 400,000 sq km electorate and would benefit groups as diverse as show societies, football clubs, event organisations and Scouts.

“I’m pleased to announce that a total of $62,966 in 2025-26 Volunteer Grants has been awarded to 42 organisations across the electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.

“The Volunteer Grants support the work of community organisations that rely on volunteers – and we know there are many of them in the communities that make up the electorate of Parkes. So many people give their time, their talents and their resources to make regional communities wonderful places to live.

“There was strong interest in this program, and the results show just how motivated and determined our not-for-profit groups are to provide activities and services. It is inspiring to see these groups so engaged in their own communities and beyond.

“I congratulate all the successful applicants and look forward to seeing the funding put to use in the Parkes electorate.”

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available each year through the Volunteer Grants program. Grants can be used to purchase communication or insurance items and/or purchase items for the main purpose of supporting volunteer cohorts and volunteer-run activities.

Organisations were nominated by Mr Chaffey and applied through the Australian Government following an expression of interest process.

The successful 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round applicants in the Forbes and Parkes Shire areas included:

• Bedgerabong Tennis Club – $1,200

• Forbes District Cricket Association Inc $1,000

• Galari River Arts Forbes Inc – $1,600

• Parkes QUE Club – $1,800

• Parkes School of Dance Inc – $1,200

• Parkes Little Athletics Centre Inc$1,200

The Central West Charity Tractor Trek is a group of approximately 60 volunteers that formed in 2017, with the objective to raise funds that assist families with children suffering from illness and/or disabilities.

All money rasised by the group directly supports children in the Central West of NSW. Their current beneficiary is the charity Little Wings, who fly sick children and their family to Sydney for medical treatment free of charge.

The group has an upcoming Trek being held from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, that will be travelling in the Parkes area.

The people of Parkes and Forbes can support the Trek by cheering the team on as they pass, making a donation, sponsoring a tractor or buying a raffle ticket.

Long-standing group members Ray and Laurie McMahon will be in Parkes this week and in Forbes next week selling raffle tickets and merchandise, and raising awareness. If you see them, please show your support.

The public are also invited to attend the the fundraising dinner on Saturday, 26 September at the Parkes Leagues Club. Highlights will include a guest speaker whose family who has benefitted from Little Wings, an auction and the drawing of the major raffle. For ticket availability email cwctractortrek@outlook.com or phone 0417 447 790.

A beautiful Woodstock family are currently facing unfathomable times; with the loss of their home and their precious four-year-old son.

This family of five need the support of our communities; as much as they need their privacy. No possession or dollar will ever be enough to rebuild the life this family should be enjoying, but all donations will be kindly accepted.

A team of their friends are also coordinating a cattle drive on Tuesday 29 September at CTLX, Carcoar and a lamb drive at Cowra Saleyards on Wednesday 30 September. All stock donations will be greatly appreciated.

In these coming days, weeks, months and beyond, these funds will be used to help this family take the time they need to heal.

Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/648b2095e.

Dusty Langby is a 12 year old boy, who has this week, completed a 540km walk from Warren to Canberra with the aim of raising $1 million for Little Wings so they can fly more paediatricians out to the bush. Dusty and his team left Warren on 30 August, and after five days and 184 kms of walking, Dusty arrived in Parkes on 3 August where he had already raised approximately $270,000.

While in Parkes, we caught up with Dusty and his team, which included his mum Sarah, who is a nurse, and fellow nurses Nikki from Little Wings and Chris from Warren.

We learned Dusty was actually only 11 years old when he came up with the idea to walk to Canberra.

Dusty, who lives on a farm in Warren, one afternoon noticed his mum Sarah had had a hard day, and said to her, “Come on mum lets go out the back, I’ll get you in the dam to have a swim and get you a ‘lemonade’ from the coolroom.”

It was then, that the pair got talking and Dusty stated he wanted to do something to help support Little Wings, saying, “Well I’ll walk.” Mum Sarah replied, “How far will you walk? Where will you walk?” To which Dusty responded, “Parliament House.” When his mum asked how much he would raise he confidently said, “One million dollars.”

Dusty completed his walk and arrived in Canberra on 15 August, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who confirmed, “We’re matching Dusty’s fundraising dollar for dollar and backing Little Wings so they can keep flying and supporting regional families”.

Dusty absolutely smashed his goal of raising $1 million dollars, but the Dollar for Dusty fundraising account will be open for approximately one month post walk, so you can still donate at: www.givenow.com.au/dollar-for-dusty