Maggi Barnard

Going on stage at the Sydney Opera House is an experience not many of us can boast about, but 29 Parkes Public School Choir members have a story they will probably tell the rest of their lives.

The Year 3 to 6 students were part of more than 3,000 NSW public school students who participated in the 2019 Festival of Choral Music recently.

It is one of the largest musical events held at the Opera House each year with students from more than 120 schools across NSW performing to sell-out crowds over four days.

A requirement for participating choirs is that they should be able to sing two-part harmony when they audition to get a placement in the Choral Festival. The Parkes Public Choir had been practising since the beginning of the year for the big event.

For the students it was not just the excitement of going on stage in the Opera House, but also meant an exciting excursion to Sydney that included a walk across the harbour bridge, eating ice creams at Circular Quay and exploring the botanical gardens.

The day ended on a ‘high note’ when the group became part of a 700 strong choir for their performance in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House. What an amazing experience for the students!

The Voice of a Survivor is a unique project that grew out of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse.

After four years of harrowing investigation and testimony, the final report was delivered in December of 2017, and in so doing discovered ‘Another Australia’ – one that many struggle to recognise or acknowledge, even today.

It was found that the sexual and physical abuse of children, prisoners, patients, churchgoers and many other vulnerable people, was endemic across Australian society.

Crossing boundaries of colour, sex, age and type, the commission found nothing less than abuse, and the covering up of abuse, on a breathtaking scale.

As a response, The Voice of a Survivor began to find justice for the many survivors of abuse in institutions, in the form of letters of apology and financial reparations.

The Voice of a Survivor believes in justice for all Australians who have been abused and dispossessed, including members of the Stolen Generation. If you identify as a survivor of abuse or as a member of the Stolen Generation, now is the time to act.

Claim back what is yours and move on to a brighter, better day. Call 02 8091 0978 or email admin@thevoiceofasurvivor.com

When the curtains draw tomorrow for the opening night of Les Miserables at the Little Theatre in Parkes the production will not only be testimony to local talent, but also be a first for audience members with a hearing impairment.

The production, based on the acclaimed Victor Hugo novel, will feature subtitles and captions to make it an enjoyable experience for more people.

“It is great for people with disabilities – especially the hearing impaired,” said Currajong Disability Services client Rhyse Forrestal. “It’s a positive step in the right direction.”

Rhyse, an experienced thespian in local productions, will once again be on stage playing three roles. “I play a convict, a drunk and a beggar,” said Rhyse. “I even get to sing a very short solo too.”

For Rhyse it’s all about making a quality inclusive production and living out his dream of one day becoming a fulltime actor. “I was inspired by Robin Williams growing up. He remains an icon for me. “This production will push me and I am excited by the challenge. I can’t wait for you all to see it!”

Les Miserables is directed by Lyn Townsend and Neil Westcott, and stars local favourites Kimberley Ryan, Aaron Kingham, Andrew Francis, Rachel Westcott and James Whalan.

Australia’s premier aviation event is coming to Parkes for the first time and is set to light up the skies from 20th to 22nd September. This year’s AirVenture Australia event sees the addition of a comprehensive youth aviation engagement program, the first of its kind in regional Australia. For the first time in Australia a group of 25 school students across the Central West and Australia, including ten from Parkes, will build a BushCat aircraft from a kit as a team.

Remarkably, the aircraft will be built within seven days and take its maiden flight in the event’s airshow on Sunday, 22nd September. “Numerous high quality applications have been received,” said AirVenture Australia’s Director David Young. “We had a tough time selecting the successful applicants.

It’s really overwhelming to see so much interest in the work experience program from future aviation professionals.”

The event will also feature a separate, but extensive day long aviation careers and STEM engagement program. The program includes six, hour long programs with students selecting four to complete. With activities ranging from airfoil construction and software coding to aerodynamics, students will benefit from a broad exposure to industry occupations and concepts.

The program will have access to a full motion flight simulator to give aspiring pilots the opportunity to experience simulated flight with a flight instructor guiding them.

“We expect that in excess of 150 year 8 to 12 students from Central West NSW will attend and participate,” said David.

For more information on all the events at AirVenture Australia, including the high energy air show on 22nd September, visit www.airventureaustralia.com.au

La Bella Medispa Parkes made a clean sweep at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards last month taking out Australian Clinic of the Year and NSW Clinic of the year, while founder Rebecca Miller won Business Leader/Director of the year.

It was a magical moment for Rebecca Miller and her business partner Jess Galvin, surrounded by their team and best of the best in the beauty industry.

In accepting her award Rebecca told the story of her recent head shave in support of Connie Johnson and raising $25,000.

More than 70 community members attended the inaugural Coffee with a Caseworker in Parkes last week.

“It was a wonderful success in bringing the community together for Child Protection Week,” said Brenda Hart Senior Caseworker at the Parkes Community Service Centre.

“We hope to make this an annual event for Parkes to keep the importance of supporting children and families in our community’s minds and conversations.”

Roasted Kombi Café owners, Darrin Gibson, Deborah Mitchell and Kelvin Rowe welcomed the event and hosted caseworkers from the Department of Communities and Justice who interacted with the public.

The purpose of the event was to create an opportunity for community members, local service providers and caseworkers to meet up, enjoy a coffee and chat about the importance of child protection and our role within that.

National Child Protection Week is coordinated by NAPCAN starting on Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. The aim of the week is to engage members of the community in supporting families and protecting children.

This year the focus was on introducing a ‘child development’ communication frame to promote the messages that: kids do well when parents are supported; and to raise thriving kids, parents need support to navigate life’s choppy waters.