Last Saturday, over 2,000 people flocked to Parkes Regional Airport to watch the amazing air displays organised by the Parkes Aero Club to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

There was some slight concern for the weather after the dust storm on the Friday evening, however Saturday turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day, if only a little too windy at times. “We were very fortunate, the gods were with us,” said Warwick Tom, club member and one of the event organisers.

“We are tickled pink, it was such a good crowd,” said Warwick. “The flying displays were great.” The flying program opened with a parachute jump conveying the Australian flag, then the RAAF Roulettes performed formation aerobatics, wowing the audience with their daring and polished flying feats. Further aerobatic displays in a variety of aircraft continued until 2.30pm, including Paul Bennet in the Wolf Pitts Pro.

Aside from the air shows, there were also on-ground displays of antique cars and aircraft, as well as information booths, food stalls and attractions for children including a jumping castle. The HARS Museum was a popular attraction for families, community groups and aircraft aficionados, with a variety of historic aircraft set up in the field beside the hangar, allowing people to board and inspect them.

“We had lots of support. The event went well because of the number of supporters, including the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes, Paul Bennet Airshows, the Parkes Aviation Museum & Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, as well as the cooperation of the Parkes Shire Council and other event partners,” said Erik Lensson, President of the Club.

If you’re interested in learning to fly an aeroplane, contact the Parkes Aero Club to discuss the possibility of trying a Trial Instructional Flight. Visit the website at http://www.parkesaero.com.au/ or check out the Facebook group.

A group of approximately 300 people gathered at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope last Friday night to enjoy Dinner Under the Blue Dish, an event organised by Currajong Autism & Special Needs Group. The event was inspired by the annual global initiative that bathes iconic landmarks and structures around the world in blue light to support and celebrate World Autism Awareness Month.

“The night far exceeded our expectations,” said Angela Wilson, co-founder of the group. “It was such a lovely evening, people were very relaxed and enjoyed spending time with their family.”

“There was such a fantastic atmosphere. We had live music playing, and the astronomical society set up their telescopes for people to have a look at the night sky,” said Angela. The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre also stayed open for the evening.

“The number of people that turned up for dinner at the Dish Café took Craig a bit by surprise, although he had put on plenty of staff. People were lined up out the door for much of the night.” Some people chose to dine inside the café, while others spread out on the lawn on picnic rugs and chairs.

The raffle raised a total of $927.55 for the Currajong Autism & Special Needs Group, which will be put towards a free family fun day for families with children with special needs, in Term 4 this year.

“As the event went so well, we hope to do it again next year,” said Angela.

The Parkes Aquatic Centre (PAC) held its very first Easter Egg Hunt last Sunday. A herd of children of all ages roamed the waters and grounds of the centre in search for Easter Egg goodness.

The fun kicked off at 11am with the kids over 6 years of age being sent to the ‘big pool’ to chase after balloons that may, or may not, have held an Easter Egg surprise. The kids 6-years-old and under were directed to search the grounds for pipe cleaners, which were taken up to the canteen to be exchanged for a paper bag full of Easter goodies.

Once the Easter Eggs had been found and, in some cases, gobbled up very quickly, the families spread around under trees to relax and have a picnic lunch or a barbecue. As it was quite warm, many were taking advantage of the shade under the trees. It was wonderful to see the kids slathered in sunscreen and wearing their shirts and hats.

At 12pm the inflatable slide was set up, a popular attraction for kids of all sizes and ages, even some of the big, big kids. Some shenanigans, a bit of mischief, and a lot of fun ensued.

“The event was a great success,” said Nikki. “It was fantastic to see everyone come down to celebrate Easter.” Sunday was also the Parkes Aquatic Centre (PAC)’s last day open for this season. It will open again in October 2018.

By Lisa Ramsay

With a crew of 18, Parkes firefighters have found the quarters at their 94-year-old fire station a little tight, especially when getting dressed for a call-out. Thankfully, after an extensive search to find a site for the new fire station, the NSW Government has been able to purchase the block that sits behind the current fire station, on Hill Street. The NSW Government’s 2017-18 Budget included a further $150,000 for the purchase of the land, following a $250,000 investment in the 2016-17 budget.

Troy Grant, Minister for Emergency Services, visited Parkes last Wednesday to announce the purchase. “I’m extremely proud the NSW Government is investing in the safety of our region by providing our firefighters with the latest equipment and resources,” Mr Grant said.

“Our firefighters do an extraordinary job, often under enormous pressure and a new fire station will give firefighters in Parkes the facilities they need to continue their vital work for generations to come.”

The design and initial ground works for the new FRNSW station are planned to commence later this year with the project expected to be completed in 2019. Parkes Captain, Craig Gibson, expressed his hope that the existing heritage building may be kept, and the space perhaps utilised for a meeting room, as well as a museum.

“The new Parkes station will be state-of-the-art and designed to ensure our firefighters are fit and ready to do their job effectively,” Mr Grant said.

Soon you will be able to sit anywhere in the Parkes Little Theatre and have a clear view of the stage, thanks to new tiered seating being installed later this year.

The Little Theatre, with the help of Parkes Shire Council, has been successful in obtaining funding for the seating upgrade and refurbishment through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), as announced by Rick Colless, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW last Monday.

“The theatre will undergo a major upgrade with the installation of a raked floor and theatre style plush seating, including specialised plans for mobility impaired and bariatric patrons,” said Lyn Townsend, President of the Parkes Musical and Dramatic (M&D Society. As the construction in the theatre will impact on the foyer of the theatre, it too will require refurbishment. The grant has allocated $162,000 to the project, with the expectation of up to $250,000 to be spent on the theatre, with Parkes Shire Council contributing the excess funds.

A works coordinator at the Council has been appointed to oversee the project, with tenders soon to be sent out to prospective contractors. Construction will start on 1st July, following the season of Motherhood the Musical.

The Council is anticipating completion of construction by early spring. “The Society will perform a gala concert series in the last two weeks of October to celebrate the upgrade, recognising the magical musical moments at The Little Theatre over the past 17 years,” said Lyn.

By Lisa Ramsay

Trundle might be best known for its annual ABBA Festival, but it is expected to become synonymous with paragliding after the highly successful and first ever ground towing competition in Australia held there this week.

The Wings Out West Competition saw a total of 35 pilots took to the abundance of air space over the four-day event with Paul Kimber from NSW claiming the first place. He was followed by Dave Gibbs from Queensland and in third place was Stephen Noble from NSW. Erica Caro from New Zealand took out the women’s category.

“It was a great event for pilots new to competition, as well as a challenge for the more experienced pilots,” said organiser John Brassil.

Pilots flew over 7,000km with many setting personal records in tremendous flyingconditions. According to co-organiser Phillip Mansell from Dubbo, they were overwhelmed with how many pilots either recorded their highest, furthest or longest flight.

For many of the pilots it was their first experience of Central West NSW and doing ground tow paragliding. “Most competitions start with a foot launch from a hill,” said Phillip. “We’ve had such positive feedback that we are definitely looking into making it an annual event.”

John thanked the local community for “their unbelievable hospitality, especially the assistance from the Kelly family”. He said the dinner and bush dance hosted by the Trundle community was a highlight. “The hit dance was Winds of Trundle, a variation on the popular Waves of Bondi.”

By Maggi Barnard

Two Parkes men are on a mission to help save other women’s lives after they lost a very important person in their lives on Christmas Eve.

Joel and Talan formed Team Breaden last month and shaved their heads on Monday in memory of their mother and mother-inlaw, Leanne Breaden. Leanne, also known as Maggie and former Principal of Parkes Public School, lost her 13-month battle with ovarian cancer in December last year.

“We have been overwhelmed with the response from Parkes residents, friends and family who have helped us raise more than $7,000 in just over three weeks,” said Talan. The amazing response from the community quickly wiped out their targets of how short they would cut their hair, and on Monday their trendy hairstyles landed on the floor of Adele’s Salon when Adele Hawke used number 0 to give them a buzz cut.

As Leanne looked on with her familiar smile from a framed photo on the counter, Talan went first under Adele’s razor. It is the fact that Leanne, like so many others with ovarian cancer, was not diagnosed until it had spread throughout her abdomen, that has encouraged Joel and Talan to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).

“There are too many similar stories, and that’s why we’re raising money to help find an early detection test, and to create awareness among women of the signs and symptoms,” said Talan. “Everyone has a mum, sister, aunt or cousin.

Less than 30% of women diagnosed at a late stage will survive more than five years.” Leanne was diagnosed in late 2016 and underwent chemotherapy and major surgery, only to have the cancer return almost immediately with a terminal diagnosis.

Joel said they hoped to reach $10,000 and planned to hold two fun days in the near future. The donation line on the everydayhero website will stay open until August. If you would like to support their cause, go to www.everydayhero.com.au pop into Adele’s Salon or at any of the local schools where there are collection envelopes.

Parkes Public School joined the challenge this week with a mufti day and gold coin collection in support of Team Breaden.

By Maggi Barnard

If you missed out on the drama and action last year, don’t despair. The second annual Steve Magill Earthmoving Parkes Rodeo Stampede at the Parkes Showground tomorrow, promises to be even better.

Last year the crowd witnessed with shock and horror one of the greatest wrecks in international rodeo. Clown and veteran bullfighter Matt Darmody was flung in the air by one of the meanest bulls on the rodeo circuit. Darmody staggered to his feet and walked out of the arena after being knocked out cold.

The committee has worked tirelessly to improve on last year’s event addressing more food, better seating, extra entertainment and parking.

As the last rodeo in the Southern Zone before the finals, this event is set to be a huge draw card for the top cowboys and cowgirls chasing championship points. The program includes saddle bronc riding, the original rodeo event; bareback bronc riding, the suicide event of rodeo; bull riding, the only event a cowboy can earn over one million dollars a year; and motor bike barrel racing where top riders from the motor cross circuit will battle it out against the ladies of the professional barrel racing.

The gates open at 4pm on Saturday, 3rd March and the rodeo starts at 6pm. The rodeo is presented by McPhersons Parts and Services, Signs You See, Langlands Hanlon, Uni Fence, Derrick Hoe Excavations, D’Aquinos, The Cambridge Hotel, See Solar Smart Lighting, Magills Concrete Pumping and Parkes Diagnostic Imaging.

For James Whalan there is no difference between work and non-work hours as he fills all of it with his passion, music. Last weekend he received recognition for all the work he puts into his ‘after hours’ music ventures when he won a Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Award.

He was nominated with five other people for the Patricia Kelson Encouragement Award for his first-time musical direction of 9 to 5 with the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society.

“It was very exciting,” said James, who is regional co-ordinator and singing teacher at the Mitchell Conservatorium.
James has been involved with the Parkes M & D for ten years, playing the lead role of Frederick in the Pirates of Penzance among other roles, as well as assisting with directing in various productions.

“9 to 5 was the first show I was not on stage. It is very encouraging to win an award for my debut as musical director.” James said Parkes was very fortunate to have such an array of talented people from singers and actors to backstage crew and musicians. “We are one of the smallest communities in the CAT and has one of the greatest bands in the Central West.”

The Parkes M & D Association was also nominated in the Best Technical Achievement category for the flying car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the Best Ensemble for the three lead girls in 9 to 5.

By Maggi Barnard

What does reading books and wet sponges have in common? More than 180 children in the Parkes Shire discovered that smashing a reading target can result in a lot of fun with a soaking wet sponge and adults in your line of fire. The Summer Reading Club splashed out last week for a big celebration when two library staff members, voted for by participants, became the targets of eager sponge throwers.

The goal of this year’s annual Summer Reading Club, aimed at encouraging children to read over the summer holiday, was to read 974 books collectively by 31st January – 974 was Don Bradman’s 1930 score for the most runs scored in a cricket test series.

“This year’s ‘Game On’ Summer Reading Club was a fantastic success, with a total of 1,563 books read!” said Parkes Shire Librarian, Andrea Lovell. Parkes read 1,078, Peak Hill 261, Trundle 121 and Tullamore 103 books.

Two local sports personalities were ‘game’ to join in the fun last Thursday with Helen Magill (tennis) and Glenn Pepper (cricket) also lining up for a cool down on a hot summer’s day. Their reward was cutting the Summer Reading Club cake to round off the party fittingly.

“Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to the parents, grandparents and carers who encouraged our summer readers and helping them to fill in and return their forms. It was a very special event,” said Andrea.

By Maggi Barnard