Mark Coulton welcomes taskforce to probe Parkes electorate bank branch closures

A Regional Banking Taskforce established by the Liberal and Nationals Government will bring welcome focus on the impact of bank branch closures on regional communities, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has said. Mr Coulton said changes to banking had noticeable effects throughout the Parkes electorate. “Residents in towns right across my electorate are all too familiar with the on-the-ground impacts of dwindling banking services…

Newell-Mitchell Highway intersection upgrade hits finish line

After 400 pairs of hands on the job, 20,000 tonnes of asphalt laid, and more than 21,000 tonnes of material excavated, the Newell and Mitchell highways intersection upgrade has hit a major milestone, with traffic lights being switched on later this week. The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the $40 million…

$110,000 upgrade to help build Lachlan Shire’s drought resilience

Western Plains Regional Development Incorporated will be able to undergo a much-needed facelift thanks to $110,000 in Federal Government funding under the Future Drought Fund’s Network to Build Drought Resilience program. Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this funding will enable Western Plains Regional Development to boost community connectedness and help the Lachlan Shire…

Live music set to be reignited in Narrabri

Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured with the Tourist Hotel Narrabri General Manager Geoff Artis and consultant Jon Welsh. Narrabri’s live music scene is set to be reignited and expanded, with the Tourist Hotel receiving a $50,000 Federal Government grant to help bring live music to the region. Federal Member for Parkes…

North West NSW towering ahead thanks to Inland Rail mobile telecommunications upgrades

Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today announced new and improved telecommunications infrastructure will be provided along the Narrabri to North Star Inland Rail corridor. He is pictured (centre) in North Star with Gwydir Shire councillor Jim ‘Curly’ Moore, ARTC Inland Rail Delivery Director Central Heather Parry, Gwydir Shire councillor Geoff Smith, stakeholders…

More funding available to grow stronger communities

Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) pictured with members of the Gunnedah Rural Museum, which received a $2,500 grant to purchase new office equipment under the last round of the Stronger Communities Programme. Community groups in the Parkes electorate are being invited to apply for a share of $150,000 in funding for…

Supporting drought resilient leadership in the Parkes electorate

Applications have opened for drought-focused leadership development in the Parkes electorate The program is developing a national cohort of leaders to drive action to better prepare for drought in their community Applications have opened for a Future Drought Fund program to develop leaders and drive conversations and action on drought preparedness in the North West…

$450,000 grant for new teacher housing at St Therese’s Community Parish School

Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) pictured with Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green and Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes Assistant Director Corporate Services Mal Goodwin at the official opening of new teacher accommodation for St Ignatius Parish School in Bourke earlier this year. Staff and students at St Therese’s Community Parish School in Wilcannia will…