Parkes
Parkes scores well on core operations (82/100) but only 44/100 on lifestyle & amenity — a gap worth watching.
"Elvis and the Dish — Parkes radio telescope and central west heritage"
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 16,000
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
59 out of 100
#18 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#29 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 62/100 |
| Community Services | 50/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 44/100 |
| Core Operations | 82/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Parkes performs strongest in core service delivery (better than 82% of peers), with room to improve in lifestyle and amenity investment (currently at the 44th percentile).
What Makes This Place Unique
Elvis and the Dish — Parkes radio telescope and central west heritage
Parkes is famous for 'The Dish' — the CSIRO radio telescope — and the annual Elvis Festival that's become one of Australia's most beloved quirky events.
Known For
- CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope — 'The Dish'
- Parkes Elvis Festival
- Central west farming heritage
- Henry Parkes heritage — Father of Federation
Living Here
Parkes offers affordable country town living with unique cultural events. The Elvis Festival transforms the town each January.
Hidden Gem
Parkes Radio Telescope visitor centre — standing beneath the dish that received signals from the Apollo moon landing.