Students in years 9 to 12 from Peak Hill Central School, Yeoval Central School, Tot­tenham Central School, Tullamore Central School, Trundle Central School are set to benefit from the Western Access Pro­gram’s (WAP) Primary Industries (Training) Trailer launched in Peak Hill on Tuesday, 10th September.

The launch marks a significant milestone, providing a new opportunity for students to engage in agriculture as a subject and to explore career pathways in the sector.

It’s a versatile trailer that gives teach­ers and students the support they need to excel in teaching, learning, and practical assessment activities related to livestock, wool harvesting, fencing, and chemical and agriculture generalist units.

The trailer will also enable the delivery of Australian Wool Innovation courses and facilitate industry and career immersion activities and practical sessions on farms and other enterprises, creating stronger connections with the industry and potential career pathways for students.

Funded by Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and constructed by a local engineer and former WAP student from Dunn’s Welding and Fabrication Peak Hill, the launch of this trailer means less of a need for students to travel to get the ag­ricultural skills and experience they need.

A major construction blitz starting today (13th September) will see the Inland Rail project push forward with day-and-night works on the section between Stockinbin­gal and Parkes.

The 100-hour track possession will close the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junc­tion from 6am on Saturday 14 September to 10am Wednesday 18 September.

The track closure opportunity will permit rail infrastructure contractor Martinus Rail to carry out works on several sites across the Stockinbingal to Parkes section to prepare the line for future double-stacked freight trains.

Some out-of-hours works related to the track possession will start earlier, at 6pm on Friday 13 September, finishing at 7am on Thursday 19 September.

At Daroobalgie, north of Forbes, new turnouts will be installed at the new cross­ing loop, preparations for which include earthworks, drainage and ballast installa­tion.

At Wyndham Avenue, Forbes the exist­ing track under the road bridge will be low­ered by 1.5 metres and new stormwater drainage installed.

At Forbes Station the track will be slewed laterally half a metre and the station awn­ing trimmed back 300mm, while scaffold­ing will be installed on the Lachlan River Bridge ahead of bridge modifications that will take place after the possession.

Due to the nature of the work at the La­chlan River Bridge, a 30-metre exclusion zone will be enforced, and environmental controls installed to protect the waterway and riverbanks.

Since July last year:

• Inland Rail has spent more than $6.5 million with 85 local businesses on the project between Albury and Parkes.

• On the same section, Inland Rail has employed a total of 404 people.

• 127 of the total are local residents, and 36 of the total are women.

• 39 of the total are First Nations people.

• Of the 127 local residents, 24 are First Nations people.

James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The September 100-hour possession gives us an opportunity to make great strides for­ward on the Stockinbingal to Parkes sec­tion of Inland Rail.

“We are committed to delivering Inland Rail South of Parkes by 2027 and this pos­session gives us the opportunity to safely complete a significant amount of scope as we work towards this goal.

“We are thankful for the cooperation and understanding of the communities in which we are working, and we would like to ac­knowledge the residents, business owners and road users for their patience during this period.”

Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “We are honoured to play such a pivotal role in the Inland Rail project, a cornerstone of Australia’s future regional infrastructure.

“This super possession represents a key opportunity for us to apply our expertise in complex brownfield railway works. Across multiple locations, our plant and equipment will be hard at work, excavating for track lowering, installing drainage lines and re­constructing track formations.

“We’re committed to driving progress ef­ficiently and safely as we work to deliver this transformative rail link.”

This year Northparkes celebrates 30 years of operations. To mark the special occa­sion an official ceremony was held onsite on 21st August, gathering special guests and employees together.

NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Parkes Shire Council Mayor joined representatives from Evolution Mining and Sumitomo to help employees celebrate. Two of Northparkes’ employees who will also 30 years of ser­vice Tony Melhuish and Ian Rowe also shared memories of their time onsite over the years. To finish the event there was a cake cutting and a plaque was unveiled.

But the celebrations aren’t over yet! Be sure to come along to Northparkes’ free community event, Cheers to 30 Years Fes­tival, headlined by Daryl Braithwaite. This event is to thank everyone in the communi­ty for your support over the years. Scan the QR code on page 8 to secure your ticket, bring your picnic rug, esky, and enjoy a funfilled evening with family and friends.

Get ready to enjoy the sweet sounds of Isaac Compton, get up and dance with Foxy Cleopatra, and laugh out loud with MC Tristian MacManus. The event is BYO and there will be plenty of food and activi­ties for the whole family to enjoy including an inflatable obstacle course, jumping cas­tles and a special visit from everyone’s fa­vourite blue cartoon dog…

Northparkes can not wait to celebrate with you all.