Maggi Barnard

Traffic came to a halt in the Parkes CBD on Monday morning with business owners leaving their shops to encourage a crowd of over 100 people marching down Clarinda Street in support of White Ribbon Day. Parkes is one of many communities across the country taking a stand to end domestic violence with the aim of creating ‘an Australian society where all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.’

Many local groups, clubs, schools and businesses were represented in the Parkes march from the Parkes Arbour to Cooke Park where the participants listened to speeches led by Lionel Lovett’s traditional Welcome to Country.

Police District Chief Inspector, David Cooper pledged continued police support in the area of domestic violence and asked for the public to assist by speaking out in order to challenge and change this problem. “This is a community issue not just a police issue. What you know and what you do could save someone’s life,” said Chief Inspector Cooper.

Some frightening and sobering statistics were presented by advocates against domestic violence: One in four women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner; one in five women have experienced sexual violence; one in two women have experienced sexual harassment; and one woman a week is murdered by a current or former partner.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton entreated the public saying: “Don’t just stand by. Stand up. And speak up.”

By Beth Thomas

The Parkes Elvis Festival has won many awards, but entered new territory last Thursday at the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards at Luna Park in Sydney. It was named best festival in the State for the third consecutive year and inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame.

“To be inducted into the Hall of Fame is the icing on the cake for what has been the most successful year to-date for the Parkes Elvis Festival,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

“It is also recognition of all the hard work and dedication of our fantastic volunteers, supporters and staff who have made the Festival what it is today.”

Parkes Elvis Festival was one of six finalists in the Festivals and Events category, taking home the title ahead of the Australian Celtic Festival, Canowindra International Balloon Challenge, Deni Ute Muster, Eat the Street Lismore and Woolgoolga Curryfest.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM said it was a stellar achievement for a community generated event that had significant economic impacts for Parkes and the wider Central NSW region.

The 2018 Festival attracted more than 25,000 visitors, had a global media reach of 200 million and injected $13 million into the regional economy. Parkes Elvis Festival has progressed to the national level at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in Launceston on 1st March next year.

Mines has opened a new office in Parkes for the Flemington Mining project near Fifield. The new office at 6/344-348 Clarinda Street, Parkes (formerly Video Ezy) opened in October, and will become the base for the Australian Mines team working on the Flemington project.

The local community is invited to drop in to the office between 9am and 12pm on Tuesday, 4th December to learn more about Australian Mines and the Fifield project. Exploration Manager Stuart Peterson and Community Engagement Officer Cindy Nutley will be on hand to discuss the project, including the short-term activities and long-term goals.

Australian Mines was formed in 2001 with nickel exploration and production as the initial focus. Now, Australian Mines is committed to becoming a significant producer of essential technology metals by bringing its cobalt-scandium-nickel ore bodies into production in the shortest possible time frame. These high value commodities are sought after by a range of technology manufacturing sectors, including the battery and transport industries.

The Flemington project near Fifield is in its early stages and is a direct continuation of the world-class Sunrise project being developed by CleanTeq, with the two projects separated only by a tenement boundary. Australian Mines has acquired 100% ownership of the exploration tenements and a mining lease application has been submitted. The project benefits from a secured, permanent water allocation to support a future mining operation.

The new office in Parkes has been established to support field operations ahead of the pre-feasibility study on the project, and reiterates the company’s recruitment principles of preferentially employing from the local community.

Call in any time during business hours if you are interested in the project and can’t make the drop-in session on Tuesday. Drop-in sessions are also planned at Trundle and Condobolin soon, with dates to be advised.

As the rain was falling outside a festive spirit reigned inside the Parkes Services Club for the annual volunteer/client Christmas party of Parkes Meals on Wheels on Wednesday. A total of 160 people, including 110 volunteers, attended the lunch with entertainment by the Holy Family Primary School choir and John and Michelle Jelbart.

Manager Gill Kinsela and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton handed out awards to Tom Ricter, Di Howell and Annika Bannister for exceptional volunteering spirit during 2018. Adrienne Bradley received a special award for her services as chairperson for the past nine years and 26 years as a volunteer.

By Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said Parkes Council was one of the most pro-active councils in Australia when he was in town last week to get an update on progress made with two major projects. “We want more businesses to decentralise  here, not just government agencies, but also private entities.”

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Federal Member for Riverina, first inspected the $3 million airport upgrade project where work is underway on extending the apron and taxi way expected to be completed by February next year.

“We want to make sure the 46% of international tourists who go to regional areas put Parkes on their bucket list as there are plenty of reasons for them to come here.” Michael McCormack also visited the site of Phase 2 of the Parkes Recycled Water Scheme in Nash Street. He said the new plant would have many flow-on benefits for the community.

“This scheme will result in a number of positive environmental outcomes, enabling 100% reuse of water waste.”
“Through the delivery of recycled water to sports grounds and public spaces, residents and visitors to Parkes will be able to enjoy lush drought-proof parks and gardens.”

By Maggi Barnard