If you’ve ever thought about giving back to your community, learning real rescue skills, and being part of an awesome
team — now’s your chance.

The VRA Rescue NSW is currently recruit­ing across western NSW in an effort to re­cruit Volunteers for Squads in the western area as well as a State Rescue Group.

The State Rescue Group will consist of multi-skilled Volunteers from communities across NSW western area.

VRA Rescue NSW, formerly known as the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, is a volunteer-based organization that pro­vides emergency rescue services across New South Wales, Australia. They are dedicated to community safety and play a vital role in emergency management and response. VRA Rescue NSW affiliates in­clude various rescue squads specializing in different areas like motor vehicle rescue, maritime search and rescue, and wilder­ness rescue.

VRA Rescue NSW is composed of vol­unteer members who dedicate their time and skills to assist the community in times of need. They offer a diverse range of res­cue services, including motor vehicle acci­dents, maritime incidents, wilderness and cave searches, and more.

Full training will be provided and no ex­perience is needed. People of ages 18+ are welcome.

VRA Rescue NSW covers Road Crash Rescue, Land Search, Flood Rescue, Ver­tical Rescue and much more. Whether you are keen to get hands on or want to help behind the scenes, there’s a role for you!

If you live in the western area and you are interested in finding out about becoming a volunteer then you can place an expression of inter­est by visiting the VRA website www.res­cue.org.au

The bp highway service centre in Parkes is entering the final stages of delivery.

Construction works on the state-of-the-art bp highway service centre in Parkes are progressing and the site is entering the fi­nal stages of delivery.

The new centre, located on the recently opened Parkes Bypass, at the roundabout of the Newell Highway and Henry Parkes Way, will be anchored by bp with a conven­ience store. The facility will feature a truck drivers lounge with showers, laundry and diner and 26 heavy vehicle parking spaces to provide a much-needed rest stop on this significant transport route.

Construction commenced in late 2024 and the service centre is expected to open in late September 2025. The site will soon include the construction commencement of a new McDonalds restaurant.

The Development Director for Stevens Land, Jason Capuano said: “This project is more than just a service centre; it serves as the gateway to the heart of national logistics and the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.”

“This development will not only serve the Newell Highway but also the expansive 4700-hectare Eco-industrial Special Acti­vation Precinct.

“The strategic location will provide much needed rest facilities for travelling heavy vehicle operators and the general public, with a full service diner within the BP and a newly built McDonalds with a drive through as part of the project,” said Mr Capuano.

This first stage of the 20ha Parkes Gate­way Precinct will provide much needed in­frastructure to service the Parkes SAP and heavy vehicles using the Newell Highway.

Future stages will provide a great oppor­tunity for industrial and trade retail busi­nesses.

A grateful Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott gave a visibly heartfelt thank you to the Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin for her help in securing the funding

The Minns Labor Government is investing $27 million to restore vital water and sewer infrastructure in the Central West, helping communities recover from the 2022 floods and prepare for future disasters.

A major focus of the funding is the $22.9 million rebuild of the Lake Endeavour wa­ter pipeline in Parkes Shire, which will be reconfigured to a safer, flood-resilient loca­tion.

This pipeline is a critical component of the water supply system for around 10,000 residents and plays a vital role in support­ing local agriculture and industry, including the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

Rebuilding the Lake Endeavour pipeline will strengthen water security for local fami­lies and businesses, support local jobs and contribute to the region’s broader econom­ic recovery.

The Lake Endeavour reservoir is a vital part of the Parkes water supply, ensuring continued access during drought and pe­riods of low flow and poor water quality in the Lachlan River.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said “I’ve seen the damage to Lake Endeavour firsthand. The risk of Parkes running criti­cally low on water was simply unaccepta­ble, especially with only one main supply left and with the threat of drought hanging over the community again.”

“Reliable water and sewer services are things people in the cities often take for granted. Our regional communities shouldn’t be left worse off after disasters.”

The funding follows close collaboration between the NSW Government, Parkes, Cabonne and Lachlan Shire Councils, local water authorities and local stakeholders.