Council and CMOC-Northparkes Mines review funding partnership

Parkes Shire Council and CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) have partnered again to extend the Parkes Shire Grants and Aboriginal Project Officer positions for an additional three years, signing a new Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) this week.

Both roles were established to build capacity, achieve long term sustainability for community-based projects and initiatives, and deliver improved outcomes for Parkes Shire residents. Northparkes and Parkes Shire Council have been funding the Grants Officer and the Aboriginal Project Officer positions since 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Keith OAM said, “we are delighted to continue the close partnership we share with Northparkes to co-fund these positions for a further three years.”

“The partnership is creating value and opportunities for the community that neither organisation could achieve on their own.”

Making the announcement at the Parkes Shire Chambers, Northparkes’ A/Managing Director, Hubert Lehman, said “The new agreement was part of CMOC’s strategy to identify and implement long-lasting benefits for its host communities.

“We’ve been operating in Parkes for over 24 years, and we understand the vital role these positions have played in delivering improved outcomes for the residents of the Parkes Shire.

“Northparkes is proud to support this partnership, and we hope our contribution will make a lasting difference to the Parkes community,” Mr Lehman added.

Between 2013 and 2018, the Grants team have submitted 412 successful grant submissions, securing over $35.5 million in grant funding for the Parkes Shire. Furthermore, 167 community groups have been assisted with funding applications, with over 300 representatives from community and sporting organisations attending grant writing workshops and presentations.

Recent big wins for the community include, $4.2 million for the Parkes CBD Vibrancy project, $9 million for the Recycled Water Ring Main, $2.2 million for Parkes Shire Library expansion and more than $1.7 million towards township infrastructure projects.

The Aboriginal Project Officer role, based out of Neighbourhood Central, has led to significant advancements in health, culture and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of the Parkes Shire.

Some of the positive initiatives supported by the Aboriginal Project Officer include free outreach eye and dental clinics in Parkes and Peak Hill, free Aboriginal health checks, free hearing checks, the establishment of a homework centre, as well as the establishment of a Boys and a Girls Group in Peak Hill.