Young people, businesses and commu­nity organisations from across the Central West are invited to register for Connect and Thrive – Pathways, a dynamic, free youth event focused on building leadership skills, making real-world connections and prepar­ing for future opportunities.

The event will take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion in Parkes on Tuesday 3 June and will equip young people aged 15 to 20 with the tools, networks and confidence they need to shape their futures.

Delivered by the NSW Office for Regional Youth, Connect and Thrive – Pathways is a direct response to feedback from the 2024 Your Voice, Our Future consultation and NSW Youth Summit, where young people called for more meaningful, face to face en­gagement in their own communities.

The agenda includes a youth-led net­working session, a leadership and com­munication skills workshop and a Pitch It session featuring local businesses, coun­cils and community groups sharing oppor­tunities for youth employment and engage­ment.

Another highlight is the Think Tank ses­sion, where young people will collaborate with their peers to co-design solutions to challenges they face in their communities.

Registration is free, but it is essential. For local young people who would like to regis­ter to attend this event, go to: https://tinyurl.com/connectandthriveparkes

The skies over Canowindra are set to daz­zle as the beloved Canowindra Balloon Festival returns from 26 April to 4 May.

This vibrant week-long celebration of hot air balloons, music, art, food, and commu­nity spirit offers something for everyone.

Festivities lift off with the Welcome Street Party on 26 April, featuring live music from Nerida Cuddy and the Neil Gill Band, along­side a sizzling BBQ competition, delicious food, and market stalls. Throughout the week, enjoy Flicker Fest at Rosnay, crea­tive Paint and Sips, inspiring workshops from The Creative Cure, and Sue Hodges’ art exhibition at the Canowindra Services Club, just to name a few of the offerings for the week.

Test your trivia knowledge at the Trivia Night hosted by the Canowindra Public School P&C. Then, don’t miss the Home Ground Sounds Concert on 2 May, head­lined by country star Casey Barnes, with performances by Furnace and The Fun­damentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan La­mont.

Saturday, 3 May, begins with the thrilling Balloon Key Grab, followed by the CWA All Day Breakfast, a colourful street parade, and the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow—gates open from 3pm.

Whether you’re here for the balloons or the beats, the Canowindra Balloon Festival is an unforgettable autumn escape. Bal­loons fly from 27 April to 2 May mornings and afternoons, weather permitting.

Tickets and more information available at Balloon HQ located on Gaskill Street and 123tix.com.au.

On Friday 25 April 2025, Australian’s will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gal­lipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. Parkes and Forbes residents are invited to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services to be held across the Parkes and Forbes Shires:

PARKES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:30am at Memorial Hill

• Breakfast Bistro 6:30am at Parkes Ser­vices Club

• Church Service 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church

• Church Service 7:30am at Parkes Angli­can Church

• ANZAC Day March 8:30am at Welcome Street, Chamberlain Square and Clar­inda Street to Cooke Park

• Commemorative Service am at Cooke Parkes

• Wreath Laying Pilgrimage 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves

• ANZAC Day Luncheon 12pm at Parkes Services Club

• Sound Retreat 5pm at Cooke Park

• The Ode 6pm at Parkes Services Club

FORBES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:20am Harold Street, form up 5.15am Templar Street, adja­cent to Club Forbes

• ANZAC Day March 10:15am Cross Street, Cross Street, Lachlan Street, Harold Street terminating at Cenotaph

• Commemmorative Service 10:30am Harold Street

The Canowindra International Balloon Festival is renowned for its stunning hot air balloons and community spirit, but this year, the festival promises to soar even higher with the Home Ground Sounds Concert. Taking place on Friday, 2 May, at the Canowin­dra Oval, this electrifying event will feature some of Australia’s top musical talent, ensuring an unforgettable night for concert-goers.

Headlining the concert is Casey Barnes, a multi-award-winning Australian country music artist. With his impressive vocal range and captivating performances, Casey has earned his place as one of the country’s most respected talents. His chart-topping hits and energetic stage presence will undoubtedly light up the evening.

Joining Casey on stage are Furnace and the Fundamentals, the ultimate party band known for their high-octane performances.

Fresh from their UK tour, Furnace and the Fundamentals have played some of the world’s largest music festivals, and now they’re bringing their signature blend of funk, soul, and rock to Canowin­dra. Get ready for a show filled with infectious energy and non-stop dancing.

Also featured is Nathan Lamont, an up-and-coming star in the Australian country music scene. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances, Nathan is making waves across the indus­try and will bring a fresh, exciting sound to the concert.

Bring your chairs, picnic rugs, organise a Grazing Box from IGA and come along for a great night out. There is a licensed bar on site and there is strictly no BYO or glass permitted into the concert.

Gates open at 5pm with the concert kicking off at 6:30pm. Hosted by Roundbox Group, this is a must-attend event for anyone look­ing to enjoy world-class music in the heart of Canowindra.

Locals from Parkes and Forbes and the sur­rounds, are invited to a Drop in Sessions be­ing run by Parkes Energy Recovery, a con­sortium led by Tribe Infrastructure Group, to discuss their proposed Parkes Energy Re­covery facility in the Parkes Special Activa­tion Precinct (Parkes Precinct). The drop in sessions began at The Cooke Park Pavillion on Thursday 10 April and will continue on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 from 8am – 5pm.

The proposed facility will divert an esti­mated 600,000 tonnes of waste per annum from landfill and generate at least 60 mega­watts of energy – enough to power 80,000 homes per year.

The consortium will now begin the pro­cess of wide community engagement and the planning and environmental approvals process for the facility that it will design, fund, own and operate on land leased from RGDC (Regional Growth NSW Develop­ment Corporation). If you have questions, concerns or are in­terested in knowing more information, then Council encourages residents to participate in the community engagement opportunities led by Parkes Energy Recovery. For infor­mation on the proposed facility, visit www.parkesenergy.com.au info@parkesenergy.com.au or call 02 8405 7915.