Maggi Barnard

In about 50 days on 21st July it will be 50 years since NASA’s Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the Moon and the human race took its first steps onto another world.

Australia, and in particular Parkes, played a key role in communicating with the Apollo 11 spacecraft, tracking it, and sharing news of this ‘giant leap’ to 600 million people around the world via the technology and teams at NASA’s Honeysuckle Creek, and CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope and Tidbinbilla tracking stations near Canberra. CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has worked with NASA for almost 60 years as its official ‘cooperating agency’ in Australia.

CSIRO is supporting many events in the lead-up to the anniversary.

One highlight will be open days at the Parkes radio telescope, the world famous ‘Dish’, over the weekend of 20th and 21st July when thousands of visitors are expected with former staff that supported the Apollo 11 telecast.

CSIRO has a 75-year history in the space sector that includes tracking spacecraft exploring our Solar System, Earth observation analytics, managing complex facilities, processing big data and supporting manufacturing supply chains.

Art Workshops
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 moon landing mission, Regional Arts NSW and Parkes Shire Library will host a weekend art workshop for 12 to 17-year-olds.

Experienced local artist Leanne Wilson will lead the workshops and participants will produce a canvas artwork which will be displayed at a public exhibition during the anniversary celebrations.

As places are strictly limited, make sure to book early to secure a place. Bookings and payment ($20 per student) to be made at Parkes Library. The workshop will run from midday to 4pm on 22nd and 23rd June.

If you are a Joe Cocker fan don’t miss Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson in his ultimate tribute coming to Dubbo on 22nd June.

It will be a night of soul and rock classics with electric current running high generated by a very talented eight piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson.

Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson.

Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs like Hitchcock Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful,Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River.

Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in his show and leaves the audience spellbound. Doug is not only an entertainer but an amazing vocalist.

Doug is also a multi award winning artist of soul and rock and box office hit musicals. (See details of show on front page.)

The shore of Lake Endeavour was a scene of festivity when about 100 people helped to celebrate the first anniversary of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC) on Sunday.

As colourful flags fluttered in a slight breeze on the last beautiful day before the cold stepped in, Phil Donato MP praised the club for what it has brought to the community of Parkes.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton thanked the club for looking after the lake and its environment.

Once the dragon birthday cake was cut, it was time to get on the water. Club members came from Forbes, Bathurst, Orange Pinnacles, Orange Colour City and Mudgee to help celebrate the day.

The two boats went out several times with mixed teams including first time paddlers.

“What a splendid day it was,” said PDBC President Bill Thomas. “It was great to see so many members from other clubs joining us for a fun-filled day both on and off the water, and all the first-time paddlers who hopped in a boat. I can only say a big thank you to everyone for making it a great day!”

The Pinnacle Dragons agreed it was a wonderful day. “Thank you Parkes Dragon Boat Club – it was a joy to help you celebrate your first birthday – you are a credit to the dragon boat world.”

Some club members reflected on the first year with Michael Hutchison saying: “It’s been a wonderful experience. The people who established the club have done an absolutely magnificent job.”

Chris Auld said it had changed his life, while Sue Griffey said: “Being on the water is so peaceful and relaxing, which is very good for the mind.”

Mayors from councils across the country have demanded swift action to tackle climate change from the Federal Government.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and 14 other mayors from the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest local government climate alliance, have joined forces to demand more Federal support for local work on climate change, commitment to a national 100% renewable energy target and rapid phase out of fossil fuel subsidies.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said local governments around Australia and the world had been leading on climate action for decades, however their efforts were increasingly stifled by the shocking inaction of their state and federal governments.

“By stoking fear and ignoring the science, our federal parliamentarians are distracting voters from the inarguable truth – that without urgent, coordinated, and global action to reduce emissions and shift to renewable energy, we will trigger runaway climate change.”

Climate Councillor Professor Tim Flannery said the next Federal Government must act swiftly to avert a climate crisis – and that means supporting local solutions.

“Mayors are making a stand to demand that Federal leaders commit to meaningful action on climate change – and that means switching to renewable energy and ending subsidies for the dirty coal and gas industries that are putting our communities at risk of serious climate damage.”

The mayors demanded three major actions from Federal leaders:
• Strong national climate policy aligned to the science and a national commitment to rapidly transitioning to 100% clean energy
• Support the rapid phase out of fossil fuel subsidies which contribute to climate change
• Provide long-term finance to support implementation of clean energy and sustainable transport, such as rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging stations, public and active transport infrastructure in council and community areas.