Wednesday May 7, 2025
Volume 40 No. 15
$2 inc. GST
The Cobar Weekly New member joins The Weekly team Pg 2
Council wins funding to shape a housing plan Pg 3
Aurelia updates community on future plans Pg 4
Nationals retain seat of Parkes
The Nationals have retained the seat of ty to represent the people of the Parkes elec- Chaffey the thumbs up over Mr Fell. Parkes following the 2025 Federal Election torate,” Mr Chaffey said. While Mr Chaffey was a clear winner, there count on Saturday. As of lunch time yesterday, Mr Chaffey was however a 5.19 per cent swing by voters in Following his win, Jamie Chaffey, The Na- polled 62.96 per cent of the formal votes ahead the Parkes electorate away from The Nationals, tionals candidate for Parkes, said he was grate- of Labor’s Nathan Fell with 37.04 per cent, on compared to the last election in 2022 when Mr ful for the opportunity to serve the people of a two candidate preferred count. Coulton won the seat. the Parkes electorate. Cobar voters were in agreeance giving Mr Continued Page 2. “Over the last nine months of the campaign I have met so many incredible people,” Mr Chaffey said. Mr Chaffey praised those who voted for him and also those who supported him throughout the campaign which included Mark and Robyn Coulton, who had given tireless service over the last 17 years for the Parkes electorate. The former Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, president of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Country Mayors Association executive clocked up more than 34,000km and knocked on close to 25,000 doors across the Parkes electorate during his campaign trail. Mr Chaffey also paid tribute to the other election candidates for putting their hand up for their community and their nation. “We may have different ideas, but I do believe we are all just trying to make our country a better place for future generations,” Mr Chaffey said. “Once the polls are declared I will get to work to fight for every single person in the Parkes electorate to make our area an even better place to live. “Although we have had the result we hoped for in Parkes, it has been a disappointing result overall, and I’m concerned for what that will mean for our country. “But there is no doubt we still live in the best Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey (at centre and wife Judy at left) with country in the world and I’m incredibly hon- retiring Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and wife Robyn celebrating Mr Chaffey’s oured to be entrusted with this great opportuni- Federal Election win on Saturday night. Photo contributed