Hi Landcarer’s

This will be my last article for the year. Wishing you and your families a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

I was looking forward to repeating some of the ‘summer series’ from previous years over January, but given that they had a focus on local National Parks and State Forests….and given that we are still in such dry and hot conditions, January might have a slightly different flavour to the Landcare articles.

Remember that in many places there are total fire bans and closed areas, so before you head out, it is worth checking the Park websites.

Our final Landcare meeting for the year was held at the Forbes Services Club on Wednesday evening, with a good crowd in attendance to reflect on the past year and look at future projects for 2020.

Of particular joy for me over the past year has been the opportunity to work with kids and, I think, at times, provide some light entertainment for them and others.

Parkes and Forbes are fortunate to host special events for shire schools in the form of Reading Day in Parkes and Reading Downtown in Forbes. Mascots and dressing up just makes it all a bit more fun!

This year saw a couple of ‘firsts’ for involvement in community activities as well, with water bugs at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Forbes and the Pink Up Parkes Walk and Wellness Morning. I have been so fortunate to be able to participate in and run events that boost our community and am looking forward to more exciting opportunities in 2020.

A big thank you to Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils, the Forbes Advocate, Parkes Champion Post, Radio 2PK and the many contributors who gave up their time to be involved this year.

Last but not least….you may remember that I shared an article a couple of weeks ago regarding reducing waste at Christmas and some of the challenges that we face particularly with plastic in both packaging and decorations.

This week I purchased a beautiful set of cards locally, in cardboard packaging, with an Australian theme, and with proceeds going to The McGrath Foundation. They are out there. You just need to look. Thank you to local businesses for thinking outside the plastic box! Merry Christmas. Shop local. Keep as much as you can in the community.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare