Northparkes runs its Community Investment Program twice a year, with $40,000 donated each round. Since its inception in 2011, more than $650,000 has been invested in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman said a large number of quality applications were received for Round 1 of the 2019 funding and it made the task of allocating the funding extremely difficult for the independent committee who assess the applications.

Successful local applicants for round one included: Bedgerabong PA & H Association; Bogan Gate Cemetery Trust; Central West Lachlan Landcare; Eugowra Pony Club; Forbes Eisteddfod Inc.; Forbes Golfers Association Incorporated; Forbes North Public School P&C Association; Forbes Rugby Union Club Inc; Forbes Sorting and Penning Inc.; and Oxley Group Country Women's Association.

The Community Investment Program has an independent committee, made up of Forbes and Parkes community members to review the applications and allocate the available funding.

This involves ensuring the applications meet the economic, social, environmental, cultural, recreational and educational needs of the local communities.

There are now a couple of vacancies on that panel as two of its long-serving members, Peter and Lorraine Croft, are stepping down.

Peter was one of the original members and Lorraine joined a few years later.

"We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank both Peter and Lorraine for their years of dedication to the committee," Northparkes Manager - People, Safety and Environment Stacey Kelly said.

"We would like to thank the Northparkes for their continued investment in rural communities," Peter said.

"Many of the projects that have been supported over the years would not have come to fruition without this program.

"We would also like to thank the other committee members who we have worked with over the years."

Northparkes is seeking applications for two volunteers to join the Community Investment Program committee to continue this work.

For more information, please contact Ali Standen on 02 6861 3621 or email ali.standen@au.cmoc.com