Parkes Shire Council has welcomed the official opening of the new Parkes State Emergency Service (SES) Headquarters recently, delivered with funding support from the Australian and NSW Governments through the Community Assets Program (CAP).
The project was funded through a $3.5 million investment from the NSW Government and $1.3 million through the Community Assets Program under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility was officially opened on Saturday, 23 May 2026 during a formal ceremony attended by SES personnel, community leaders and government representatives, including Mr Philip Donato MP, Member for Orange, representing the NSW Government, alongside Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Joy Paddison, Cr Doug Pout and Cr Matthew Scherer.
The ceremony commenced with an opening address by Superintendent Kira Lynch and an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by students from Parkes High School. Guests also heard addresses from Mr Philip Donato MP, NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM, and Mayor Neil Westcott.
A blessing and dedication of the facility was performed by NSW SES Chaplain Geoff Steventon, followed by an official plaque unveiling by Mr Philip Donato MP, Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM, Mayor Neil Westcott, Mr Ken Harrison, Acting Chief Superintendent Ben Lavender and Inspector Kim Palmer.
Mayor Neil Westcott said the new headquarters represented a major investment in safety, resilience and the future of our community.
"Our SES volunteers play a vital role in protecting lives and supporting residents during emergencies, often in challenging and dangerous conditions. This new facility ensures they have the modern resources and operational capability they need to continue serving the Parkes Shire and surrounding region.
"Council is proud to support projects that strengthen emergency services infrastructure and recognise the extraordinary contribution of our local volunteers, whose dedication and commitment make a real difference in times of need."
Parkes Shire Council successfully secured grant funding for the project through the Community Assets Program, with the Australian and NSW Governments jointly funding the development. Council also contributed the land for the facility and managed delivery of the project from planning through to completion.
The new headquarters provides Parkes SES volunteers with a modern operational base designed to support emergency response coordination, training, equipment storage and regional deployment capabilities.
Representing Parkes Shire Council at the official opening were Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Joy Paddison, Cr Doug Pout and Cr Matthew Scherer.
Also in attendance were Acting General Manager Logan Hignett, Facilities Manager Sharon Ross, Project Manager Duncan Blair, and Contract Administrator from Joss, Lucan Blundell, all of whom played important roles in the successful delivery of the project.
The new Parkes SES facility stands as a significant investment in community safety and emergency preparedness, ensuring local SES volunteers are equipped with one of the most advanced regional emergency service facilities in New South Wales.
Caption:
Attending the opening were (L-R) Parkes Shire Council's Director of Operations Logan Hignett, Manager Facilities Sharon Ross, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Doug Pout, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Mayor Neil Westcott, Cr Joy Padditon, Cr Matthew Scherer, Project Manager Duncan Blair and Contract Administrator with Joss Constructio, Lucan Blundell.
