Advertorial.

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Wednesday, 15 September from 8am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be held online for the second year in a row.

“Last year’s online delivery was well received and attended. We had 50 attendees on the day and a further 20 people had signed up for the waitlist.

“It was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event last year, but there were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West,” Ms Suitor said.

The Virtual Field Day is supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, Australian Custom Harvesters Association, Graincorp and the Grain Transport Safety Network.

Topics which will be discussed include access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, load restraint and much more.

“It’s looking like we are going to have a good harvest again this year, and we realise it is important to refresh people’s knowledge about the current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving harvest equipment and trucks on the road.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,’ Ms Suitor sad.

Registration is free but spaces are limited, so get in quick. Register online at www.eventbrite.com and search ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day’.

All attendees will receive an information pack which includes; an NHVR cooler bag, NSW Rural Fire Service Grain Harvesting Safety Index magnet and sticker, relevant brochures and a 2021 ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USB, which contains all the notices and information you need in the lead up to and during harvest.

The Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day has been running since 2010 and usually attracts about 60 attendees. Organisers are hoping for similar numbers to this year’s virtual event.

“If you have a specific question you would like answered please contact me on either (02) 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au so that it can be covered in the presentations,” Ms Suitor said.